Based in the Medicon Village near Malmö, Sweden, the contract research organisation (CRO) In Vivo Research Services (IVRS) provides validation services to researchers working with animal models at the preclinical stage.
The company has created a platform which enables researchers to monitor both disease progression and treatment effectiveness, supporting decision making before human studies.
Ramin Massoumi, the company’s CEO, explained to us that the process is ‘very simple,’ with researchers only needing to administer labeled cells into the living model, using a labeling substance. “Anything from antibodies or proteins to small molecules, luciferase and nanoparticles, would work to label the cells,” Massoumi added.
Once administered, researchers are able to track the labeled cells with 3D visualization showing the exact location of the substance inside the model, with the imaging only requiring 30 seconds to complete.
Through this technology, when initiating a study on animal models, Massoumi said, “developers can identify which models are actively infected with the disease and proceed only with them.”
Subsequently, researchers can collect data about the effectiveness of the treatment and the development of the disease at any time, “from day zero, while the model is still alive, without having to wait until the end of the treatment.”
Monitoring the models and comparing the results could help developers ascertain how the study is evolving and decide whether to proceed or not, saving critical time and development costs, Massoumi explained.
“Most of the studies at preclinical stage should use 3D in vivo imaging to uncover all the necessary information and accelerate their development projects,” he said.
The company’s platform is currently being used by developers working on oncology treatments.
