Abstract Discovery of biomedical drugs makes use of novel biological sources of limited availability and is often in need of fast, small-scale initial screening approaches. Here, we present a screening, based on the reporter Caenorhabditis elegans strain IG692, for identification of anti- and pro-inflammatory properties. The elaborated workflow is based on cultivation in fluid and by this, allows fast and reproducible seeding in 96 well plates. LPS and dexamethasone served as reliable controls, comparable to application in the human cell line THP-1. This in vivo approach offers a first step for selection of e.g. natural products or for repurposing of compounds from drug libraries and by this can serve as a tool in drug discovery for inflammatory human diseases.