We provide in vivo pharmacological testing services to support drug development in metabolic disorders, including diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidaemia. Our portfolio features a wide range of validated animal models and in-depth metabolic profiling techniques to evaluate therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of action.
Key In Vivo Metabolic Assessments
- In Vivo Metabolic Profile Analysis
- Glucose Tolerance Tests (GTT): Oral (PO), Intraperitoneal (IP), Intravenous (IV)
- Insulin Tolerance Test (ITT)
- Mixed Meal Tolerance Test
- Oral Lipid Tolerance Test: Available for both rats and mice
- Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) Secretion Rate Assessment
- Insulin and Glucose Clamps:
- Hyperglycaemic clamp
- Euglycemic-Hyper insulinemic clamp
- Indirect Calorimetry: For energy expenditure and metabolic rate evaluation
- Biomarker Profiling: Multi-analyte detection to support proof of activity or mechanism of action
Animal Models for Efficacy Studies
Diet-Induced Obesity (DIO) Models
- DIO Mouse Model: Mice fed a high-fat diet (60% kcal from fat) to induce obesity and insulin resistance
Genetically Modified Models (Spontaneous Mutations)
- db/db Mice: Leptin receptor-deficient model for type 2 diabetes
- ob/ob Mice: Leptin-deficient mouse model for obesity and insulin resistance
- Zucker Fatty Rats: Obesity model with hyperlipidaemia
- Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) Rats: Obese rat model with type 2 diabetes progression
Chemically Induced Models
- STZ-Induced Type 1 Diabetic Rats: Streptozotocin-induced β-cell destruction
- Neonatal STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats: Early-life STZ exposure for partial insulin deficiency models
- STZ + DIO Mice: Combination model for complex diabetes pathophysiology
Atherosclerosis and Lipid Profile Evaluation Models
- High Cholesterol-Fed Hamster Model: Established model for atherosclerosis and dyslipidaemia studies
- Serum Lipid Panel Measurements in various species:
- Cholesterol (Total, HDL, LDL, Triglycerides): Mouse (normal serum)
- Diet-Induced Lipid Profiles: Guinea pigs and hamsters
- Glucose Levels:
- Fasted Serum Glucose
- Starch-Loaded Serum Glucose
Additional Disease Model
- Haematopoiesis and Anaemia:
- Carboplatin-induced and iron deficient diet induced anaemia model for evaluating hematologic side effects and supportive treatments
Why Choose Eurofins?
- Access to a wide range of disease-relevant animal models
- Highly specialized team with expertise in metabolic pharmacology
- Integrated biomarker and mechanistic studies for deeper insights
- End-to-end support from study design to data analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the advantage of using diet-induced versus genetically modified models for metabolic disorders?
Diet-induced models like DIO mice mimic lifestyle-related metabolic syndromes and allow diet manipulation, whereas genetically modified models (like db/db or ob/ob) provide consistent phenotypes and are useful for studying gene-specific pathways.
2. Can multiple metabolic tests be conducted in the same study to assess compound efficacy more holistically?
Yes. Our team can design integrated studies combining GTT, ITT, indirect calorimetry, and biomarker profiling for a comprehensive evaluation of compound effects
3. What makes the STZ + DIO model valuable in diabetes research?
This hybrid model reflects both insulin resistance (due to diet) and β-cell dysfunction (due to STZ), making it ideal for testing drugs targeting multiple pathways in type 2 diabetes
4. How is energy expenditure measured in rodents?
We use indirect calorimetry systems to measure oxygen consumption (VO₂), carbon dioxide production (VCO₂), and respiratory exchange ratio (RER), offering insights into substrate utilization and basal metabolic rate.
5. Are these models available for both efficacy and mechanism of action studies?
Yes, all our metabolic disorder models can be adapted for either efficacy screening or mechanistic evaluations, with biomarker assessments, clamp studies, and lipid/glucose profiling as needed.
Let’s solve metabolic challenges together.
From model selection to biomarker analysis, we’re here to support every step of your research. Talk to our team and explore your options.