C. elegans-based NAM for predictive developmental and reproductive toxicity assessment

UPCOMING Webinar

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!

When: 12 PM EST USA, 20 May, 2026

Presenters:

• Adela Ben-Yakar, CEO, VIVOVERSE
• Sudip Mondal, Director of Science, VIVOVERSE

Moderator: Leah Riter, Senior Fellow, Bayer Crop Science

Description:

Developmental and reproductive toxicity (DART) testing remains dependent on costly and time-intensive vertebrate models, highlighting the need for scalable alternatives. Vivoverse has developed a multiparametric C. elegans–based assay using patented microfluidic technology and machine learning-assisted image analysis to quantify in utero embryo development and reproductive health. The platform demonstrated high repeatability, sensitivity, and >80% concordance with mammalian data. Overall, it enables rapid, reproducible, and cost-effective DART assessment for chemical prioritization.

What you will learn:

• C. elegans as a new approach methodology (NAM) for DART assessment
• Intralab validation and case study showing predictive data with rodent DART endpoints

Presenter Bios:

• Dr. Adela Ben-Yakar is a Professor at The University of Texas at Austin and CEO of vivoVerse, specializing in ultrafast microscopy, microfluidics, automation, and machine vision. She has pioneered scalable high-content screening platforms and optical tools advancing NAMs for drug discovery and toxicology. At vivoVerse, she co-leads development of automated platforms using C. elegans models for DART, DNT, and systemic toxicity assessment.
• Dr. Sudip Mondal is Co-founder and Director of Science at vivoVerse, where he leads development of C. elegans–based new approach methodologies (NAMs) for chemical safety and efficacy assessment. His work integrates microfluidics and AI-driven imaging for high-content phenotyping, enabling predictive DART and DNT endpoints. Trained in physics and neurobiology, he develops scalable platforms combining C. elegans and organoid models for next-generation toxicology screening platforms.

This webinar series is part of the AGRO Division’s ongoing commitment to providing technical excellence and regulatory insight to the agrochemical community. For past webinar recordings, please visit the Lunch and Learn Webinar Archive.  The AGRO Division Lunch and Learn webinar series is graciously sponsored by JRF Global.