Animal models

This paid-for advertorial by Taconic appeared in DDW Volume 24 – Issue 3, Summer 2023 Overcoming challenges in model generation Genetically engineered mouse models are essential tools for biomedical research. Yet when seeking to obtain an existing model, researchers often encounter obstacles related to intellectual property, availability, or licensing. As a result, model generation is an […]

This is the latest episode of the free DDW narrated podcast, “Immunotherapy, avelumab and protecting the immunocompromised”, which covers three articles written for Volume 23, Issue 3 – Summer 2022 of DDW. They are called “Mice with humanised immune systems advance cell-based immunotherapy”, “The avelumab story and what it means for urothelial carcinoma”, and “Immunocompromised […]

This is the latest episode of the free DDW narrated podcast, “Innovating now to reinvent the future of drug discovery”. It covers three articles written for Volume 23, Issue 2 – Spring 2022 of DDW. They are called “Predictive biomarkers in the age of spatial biology”, “Exploiting the microbiome to drive nature – inspired innovation”, […]

Following the Scottish Research and Drug Development Forum meeting, DDW’s Diana Spencer provides a snapshot of drug discovery in Scotland. With over 150 pharma services/supply companies and 19 universities, Scotland is one of the most advanced life science sectors in the UK and the world. To demonstrate how Scotland is continuing to innovate and shape […]

This is the latest episode of the free DDW narrated podcast, “What’s at the forefront of innovation?” It covers three articles written for the for Volume 23, Issue 2 – Spring 2022 of DDW. They are called “Can animal genomics help find therapies for human disease?”, “Understanding and innovating in immunology”, and “Cell and gene […]

Dr Megan MacBride and Dr Caroline Horizny Mitchell, Taconic, examine recent changes to animal testing in drug design. Drug discovery and development is an arduous process that can cost upwards of $2.6 billion and take over 10 years. While the discovery phase – which includes target discovery, target validation, lead compound identification, and lead compound […]

Jantzen Sperry, PhD, Director of Scientific Operations at Certis Oncology looks at how the adoption of orthotopic PDX models can elevate the impact of cancer research and improve translation in oncology drug development. The recent passage of the FDA Modernization Act, which removed the requirement for animal testing when suitable alternatives are available, has highlighted […]

This article is sponsored by Taconic. The cancer therapeutic landscape changed dramatically with the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) that target T cells and leverage a patient’s immune system. Success in targeting T cells as immunotherapy has prompted investigators to explore whether other immune cell types can be leveraged to develop efficacious oncology treatments. […]

By DDW Editor Reece Armstrong A lot has already been said about the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Modernization Act 2.0 and for good reason. The decision by the Biden administration to end the federal requirement for drugs under development to be tested on animals represents a significant step forward for the life sciences sectors. The legislation […]

A new, oral, first-in-class experimental cancer drug has shown potent activity against cancer cells and caused shrinkage of hard-to-treat human ovarian tumours grown in mice, a new study shows. The drug, which is now called NXP800 and has already entered a Phase I clinical trial, was discovered by scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research, […]

A team of researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California (USC) have found a drug with the potential for curbing painful hyperinflammation from osteoarthritis, according to results of an animal study. The findings indicate that a drug compound, R805/CX-011, may modulate an important cell receptor in the body’s immune system, […]

The latest episode of the DDW Highlights podcast is now available to listen to below. DDW’s Megan Thomas narrates five key stories of the week to keep DDW subscribers up-to-date on the latest industry updates.  In the news this week, we have covered a number of early-stage studies that could lead to potentially huge breakthroughs in the treatment […]

News round-up for 13-17 March by DDW Digital Content Editor Diana Spencer.  In the news this week we have covered a number of early-stage studies that could lead to potentially huge breakthroughs in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, long Covid, bacterial diseases, bone cancer, and autoimmune conditions.   The top stories:  mRNA vaccine 100% effective […]

Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute have found that high consumption of a common artificial sweetener, sucralose, lowers activation of T cells in mice. If found to have similar effects in humans, one day it could be used therapeutically to help dampen T cell responses. For example, in patients with autoimmune diseases who suffer from […]

As of late December 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) no longer needs drugs to be tested in animals to receive approval, according to legislation signed by President Joe Biden1 – the Modernization Act 2.0. This news has been shared widely as a landmark moment, especially in the eyes of animal welfare organisations but […]

CANbridge Pharmaceuticals has exercised its option to secure the exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture and commercialise a novel gene therapy to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) from UMass Chan Medical School.  Animal data presented in 2022 showed that the gene therapy outperformed the benchmark therapy along multiple key endpoints in a mouse model of […]