| CXR Biosciences engineer the mice to contain human versions of two important genes that hold the code for proteins which play a crucial role in the detection and breakdown of foreign compounds in the body.
The “humanised transgenic models” will allow scientists to make more accurate predictions about the effects of drugs on humans.
The research is being carried out by CXR Biosciences and TaconicArtemis and is being funded by ITI Life Sciences.
It began three years ago with a £5.5 million funding package and the details have now been published in the prestigious Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Eleanor Mitchell, managing director of ITI Life Sciences, said, “The research is a major step forward in our understanding of the many elements and systems responsible for metabolising drugs in our bodies.
“It will enable the screening out of potentially toxic compounds and the rapid advancement of safer drug candidates into clinical trials.”
Tom Shepherd, chief executive officer of CXR Biosciences added, “Our objective is to provide a broad, inclusive platform of humanised mouse models, all on the same genetic background, which can resolve the key difficulties faced in drug development and safety evaluation due to species differences.” |
