Multiplex caspase activity and cytotoxicity assays.

Multiplexed assay chemistries provide for multiple measurements of cellular parameters within a single assay well. This experimental practice not only is more cost efficient but provides more informational content about a compound or treatment. For instance, multiplexed caspase activity assays can help establish the kinetics and magnitude of initiator and effector caspase induction by candidate compounds or treatments. The ability to combine the activity profiles within the same sample provides a level of normalization not possible with parallel assays. Furthermore, multiplexing caspase activity assays with viability and/or cytotoxicity assays can support conclusions regarding cytotoxic mechanism and provide normalization that may help correct for differences in cell number.