We are world-leading experts in the research of multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease that requires understanding of immunology, inflammation and neuroscience. We can provide end-to-end support for MS drug discovery through in vitro OPC (Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells) assays and our ex vivo slice model, a powerful screening and translational tool as well as lead compound assessment in our in vivo EAE, cuprizone and LPS MS models. Leveraging and combining our neuroscience and immunology expertise, we offer pre-clinical animal models for MS, which focus on the autoimmune and inflammatory component of the disease as well as the myelin damage and repair.
Our experienced Neuroscience team offer specialist discovery services to clients looking to develop novel therapies for a range of neurodegenerative conditions. We can tailor and develop neuroprotective screening assays to discover the mechanism of action of your drug candidate, with customized assays targeting neurons themselves and/or the supportive glial cells in isolation or co-culture. We also provide partnering medicinal and computational chemistry as well as DMPK services to assess brain penetration of your drug candidate.
Cuprizone and LPC models
The cuprizone and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) rodent models induce demyelination followed by a recovery period of remyelination. The cuprizone model results in global demyelination whereas the LPC induced model creates a focal lesion.
We can support on the best in vivo model for your question as well as customize the readouts: tailored H&E, specialist multiplex histology and FACS readouts are available. We work closely with you to identify how your novel therapy affects the MS injury or repair process, to build a stronger data package and speed up your route to clinic.
EAE model
Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a T cell-driven disease of the central nervous system in mouse and is considered the gold standard model for brain inflammation and demyelination studies.
Neurotoxicity
We are developing a range of neurotoxicity services, including developmental neurotoxicity assays (DNT), using our pluripotent cell and primary CNS cell-based assay platforms that can support Pharma and non-Pharma clients in their regulatory and safety requirements.