Animal Models to Support Drug Discovery and Development

Ricerca has worked with clients to develop the following animal model systems to provide data to assist in lead selection early in the development process or to provide formal 'proof of concept' studies.

Evaluation of Anti-Cancer Drugs in SCID Mice

Cancer cells can be injected into SCID mice to produce measurable subcutaneous tumors. Ricerca has experience in using this model system to investigate the efficiency of different potential anti-cancer drugs.

Anti-Infective Animal Models

The efficacy of compounds must be validated for activity in vivo. Ricerca has experience in the conduct of the standard mouse protection test, neutropenic thigh bioburden and pneumonia models.

Diabetes in Rats

Diabetes can be induced in rats by administration of Streptozotocin. Ricerca has experience in using this model system to investigate drugs intended to be used to treat diabetes or the sequelae of diabetes.

Gene Therapy in Mice

It is possible to use the DNA coding for luciferase as a 'marker' gene. Intramuscular injection of this DNA in mice can result in a measurable level of expression of luciferase protein in the muscle tissue. Ricerca has experience in using this model system to investigate the efficiency of different DNA preparations. Targeting 'vectors' can also be tested using intravenous injections in mice of the DNA constructs which also code for luciferase targeted to different tissues in the body.