Antiviral Drug Testing Services for Efficacy, Potency, and Viral Inhibition
IN VITRO ASSAYS FOR ANTIVIRAL EFFICACY AND INHIBITION
Developing antiviral drugs requires assay systems that accurately reflect viral replication, host cell interactions, and real-world inhibition dynamics. At Microbiologics, we provide in vitro antiviral drug testing services that generate quantitative, reproducible data across discovery and preclinical development. From IC50 and EC50 determination to viral load and infectivity analysis, our assays are designed to help you evaluate antiviral activity, compare candidates, and move programs forward with confidence.
In Vitro Antiviral Drug Testing Capabilities and Scientific Partnership
Our antiviral assay services are built to support the full lifecycle of antiviral drug development, from early screening through preclinical evaluation. We combine established virology methods with flexible assay design to align with your compound, viral target, and development goals.
We support:
- Antiviral drug screening and dose response analysis
- Viral inhibition and replication studies
- Infectivity and viral titer quantification
- Mechanism of action and enzyme inhibition studies
- Custom assay development for novel antiviral compounds
- Technology transfer and assay implementation
Our scientists work directly with your team to define study design, select appropriate endpoints, and ensure that each assay generates data aligned with your program objectives. This collaborative approach ensures that results are not only scientifically sound but also relevant to your next decision.
If your work spans both antiviral therapeutics and vaccine development, Microbiologics offers specialized assay services for viral vaccines and bacterial vaccines. This allows you to leverage a consistent partner across programs while maintaining alignment in assay design, execution, and data quality.
Turnaround Time and Throughput for Antiviral Testing Studies
Antiviral development programs often require rapid iteration and the ability to scale testing as data evolves.
Our operational model is designed to support both speed and flexibility:
- Typical turnaround time ranges from 3 to 4 weeks depending on assay type and study complexity
- Accelerated timelines may be available for time-sensitive programs based on capacity and study design
- Scalable workflows support both small screening studies and larger multi-condition experiments
We align study execution with your development timelines to help maintain momentum across discovery and preclinical stages.
Antiviral Data Deliverables, Analysis, and Reporting
Generating high-quality assay data is only part of the process. Clear, structured reporting ensures that results can be interpreted, shared, and acted on.
Our standard deliverables include:
- Raw assay data and processed outputs
- IC50, EC50, and CC50 calculations
- Viral titer data reported as PFU per mL or TCID50 per mL
- Percent inhibition and dose response curve analysis
- Summary tables and graphical outputs
Comprehensive study reports document assay conditions, controls, methodologies, and results to support transparency and reproducibility. Custom data formats and analysis packages are available based on your internal workflows or reporting requirements.
Scientific Rigor and Quality Systems in Antiviral Efficacy Testing
Reliable antiviral drug testing depends on controlled assay conditions, reproducible workflows, and strong quality oversight.
Our antiviral assay services are supported by:
- Standardized protocols and defined acceptance criteria
- Controlled viral input with back-titration to confirm infectious dose
- Replicate testing and multi-point dose response curves
- Plate-level controls and system suitability checks
- Multiple readouts to confirm antiviral activity when required
All work is performed within a structured quality framework with trained personnel, documented procedures, and consistent data handling practices. These systems are designed to ensure reproducibility, traceability, and confidence in the data generated across studies.
DDPCR VIRAL LOAD QUANTIFICATION
Highly sensitive ddPCR-based viral load quantification for antiviral drug testing and low-level viral detection
Digital droplet PCR provides highly sensitive, absolute quantification of viral nucleic acids, making it particularly useful for detecting low-level viral replication and subtle antiviral effects.
Unlike traditional PCR methods, ddPCR does not rely on standard curves, allowing for improved precision and consistency across experiments.
Key capabilities:
- Absolute quantification of viral DNA and RNA
- High sensitivity for low viral load detection
- Improved precision for detecting small changes in viral replication
- Useful for confirming antiviral activity at low compound concentrations
Applications:
- Low-level viral persistence studies
- Confirmation of antiviral inhibition trends
- Complementary analysis alongside infectivity assays
ddPCR quantifies viral nucleic acid levels and may be used alongside infectivity-based assays such as TCID50 or plaque assays to provide a more comprehensive assessment of antiviral activity and replication competence.
DDPCR VIRAL LOAD QUANTIFICATION
QPCR VIRAL LOAD ANALYSIS
qPCR-based viral load analysis to measure antiviral efficacy and viral replication across in vitro studies
Quantitative PCR is a widely used method for measuring viral load and assessing how antiviral compounds impact viral replication. It provides a scalable and efficient approach for comparing treated and untreated conditions across studies.
qPCR is often used alongside infectivity assays to provide additional context for antiviral activity.
qPCR-based viral load analysis may help distinguish reductions in viral genome levels from reductions in replication-competent infectious virus.
Key capabilities:
- Relative quantification of viral genomes
- High-throughput sample processing
- Flexible assay design for multiple viral targets
- Suitable for time-course and dose response studies
Applications:
- Viral replication analysis
- Comparative antiviral activity studies
- Supporting data for early-stage screening
QPCR VIRAL LOAD ANALYSIS
TCID50 INFECTIVITY AND VIRAL LOAD ASSAYS
TCID50 assays to quantify infectious virus and evaluate antiviral-driven reduction in viral infectivity
TCID50 assays measure infectious viral particles by evaluating cytopathic effects in susceptible cell cultures. This provides a direct measure of viral infectivity and enables assessment of how effectively antiviral compounds reduce functional virus. Assay conditions including multiplicity of infection (MOI), infection duration, and endpoint timing are optimized based on the viral system and cell substrate used.
When combined with viral load measurements, these assays provide a more complete view of antiviral efficacy.
Key capabilities:
- TCID50 determination of infectious viral titer
- Viral load quantification using complementary methods
- Integration with PCR-based or immunofluorescence readouts
- Support for dose response and inhibition studies
Supported viruses include:
SARS-CoV-2, influenza, RSV, dengue, HSV, EBV, and chikungunya virus
Clinical applicability:
GCLP-aligned testing available for select viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and influenza
TCID50 INFECTIVITY AND VIRAL LOAD ASSAYS
IC50 AND EC50 POTENCY ASSAYS
IC50 and EC50 determination for antiviral drug screening, potency analysis, and dose-response evaluation
IC50 and EC50 assays quantify the concentration of a compound required to inhibit viral activity, providing critical metrics for evaluating antiviral potency and comparing candidate performance.
These assays form the foundation of antiviral drug screening and lead optimization.
Compound cytotoxicity may also be evaluated alongside antiviral activity to support CC50 determination and selectivity index calculations for accurate interpretation of antiviral potency.
Key capabilities:
- IC50 and EC50 determination across viral systems
- CC50 and selectivity index calculations
- Dose response curve generation and modeling
- Multiple readouts to confirm antiviral activity
Supported viruses include:
Influenza, dengue, HSV, EBV, HIV, and chikungunya virus
Applications:
- Compound ranking and selection
- Lead optimization and potency comparison
- Mechanism of action studies
IC50 AND EC50 POTENCY ASSAYS
REASSORTANT INFLUENZA SYSTEMS
Reassortant influenza assays for targeted antiviral evaluation, resistance studies, and strain-specific activity
Reassortant influenza viruses enable targeted evaluation of antiviral compounds against specific viral genes or mutations. These systems are particularly valuable for understanding mechanism of action and resistance patterns. Reassortant influenza viruses may be generated using reverse genetics approaches with defined HA, NA, or internal gene combinations to support targeted antiviral evaluation.
They also allow testing under controlled conditions using defined viral backgrounds.
Key capabilities:
- Use of reassortant influenza strains with defined genetic components
- Evaluation of strain-specific antiviral activity
- Support for resistance and mutation studies
- Alignment with WHO-recommended seasonal strains
Applications:
- Antiviral resistance profiling
- Target-specific drug evaluation
- Mechanistic studies of antiviral activity
REASSORTANT INFLUENZA SYSTEMS
HIV ANTIVIRAL TESTING SERVICES
HIV antiviral assays for infectivity, viral load quantification, and therapeutic efficacy evaluation
HIV antiviral testing requires specialized systems capable of measuring viral infectivity, replication, and response to therapeutic compounds across complex cellular models.
Our HIV assay platforms support both early-stage screening and more advanced antiviral evaluation using biologically relevant systems.
Key capabilities:
- Infectivity and titration assays using reporter systems and primary cells
- Viral load quantification using qPCR and ddPCR
- Antiviral screening using dose response analysis
- Support for both HIV-1 and HIV-2 systems
Applications:
- Antiviral drug screening and evaluation
- Viral replication and inhibition studies
- Mechanism of action and resistance analysis
Our team works with established cell lines and primary systems to ensure that antiviral activity is measured in biologically meaningful contexts.
HIV ANTIVIRAL TESTING SERVICES
CUSTOM ANTIVIRAL ASSAY DEVELOPMENT
Custom antiviral assay development for novel compounds, emerging viruses, and specialized testing requirements
Not every antiviral program fits within a standard assay framework. Novel compounds, emerging viruses, and unique mechanisms of action often require tailored approaches to accurately measure antiviral activity.
At Microbiologics, our scientists design and optimize custom antiviral assay programs to align with your specific research and development goals. We combine deep virology expertise with flexible assay platforms to ensure your study generates meaningful, decision-ready data.
Key capabilities:
- Custom assay design for antiviral efficacy and inhibition studies
- Optimization of infection, inhibition, and titer reduction assays
- Development of plaque, plaque inhibition, and TCID50-based methods
- IC50 and potency assay customization for novel compounds
- Neutralization assays for antibodies and antibody-like molecules
- Hemagglutination-based assays for virus-specific applications
- Adaptation of assays for non-traditional applications such as textiles and plastics testing
Technology transfer and collaboration:
We support seamless technology transfer, including method development, documentation, and protocol alignment between laboratories. Our team works closely with yours to ensure reproducibility, scalability, and continuity as your program advances.
Applications:
- Novel antiviral compound evaluation
- Emerging or difficult-to-characterize viruses
- Mechanism of action and inhibition pathway studies
- Assay transfer from research to development environments
CUSTOM ANTIVIRAL ASSAY DEVELOPMENT
A Trusted Partner for Antiviral Drug Development
Advancing antiviral drug candidates requires more than access to assays. It requires a partner with deep virology expertise, integrated capabilities, and the ability to generate data that supports real decisions.
At Microbiologics, we combine antiviral assay development with in-house viral propagation and manufacturing capabilities. Our team supports the full workflow from viral stock production through final data delivery, allowing for greater control over viral input, assay conditions, and overall study consistency. This integrated approach helps reduce variability and ensures your data is built on well-characterized, reliable viral materials.
Our work is supported by both BSL-2 and BSL-3/high-containment environments, enabling safe and controlled handling of a wide range of viral pathogens, including high-consequence and emerging viruses. Depending on program goals, assays may be performed using live virus, pseudovirus, or reassortant systems within the appropriate containment environment. This allows us to align assay design with real-world viral biology while maintaining the containment and compliance required for your program.
From early screening through preclinical evaluation, we work alongside your team to design and execute antiviral testing strategies that are scientifically sound, operationally consistent, and aligned with your development goals.
If you are evaluating antiviral drug candidates and need a partner who can support everything from viral material to final data package, our team is ready to help you move forward with confidence.
Need more detail for planning or internal review?
Download our CRO Laboratory Services Catalog for a complete, shareable overview of our biomaterial manufacturing capabilities, assay offerings, deliverables, and workflows.
ADVANCE YOUR ANTIVIRAL PROGRAM WITH CONFIDENCE.
Connect with our experts to discuss your study goals and determine the right assay strategy to support your development timeline.