Animal models of rheumatoid arthritis are accepted as important screening tests for efficacy of test materials. Because no single test is definitive in predicting efficacy for treatment of humans the importance of results from animal models in more than one species is recognized.

Our scientists have extensive experience in two important animal models for human rheumatoid arthritis:

• Collagen-Induced Arthritis in rodents
• Ovalbumin-Induced Arthritis in rabbits

The Collagen-Induced Arthritis (CIA) model in mice or rats is widely used as an important screen for test material efficacy.

The Ovalbumin-Induced Arthritis (OIA) in rabbits is an equally valuable in vivo model although not as widely available as the CIA models. Experience with intra-articular injections is an important requirement for success with this model.

Our services for these two models include:

• Long-established expertise in procedures and results analysis.
• Validated positive control (methotrexate, dexamethasone, EnbrelTM, AbataceptTM, other).
• Recommendations for dosing routes and formulations for test materials.
• Experience with compound, biologics and vaccine dosing.
• MTD, PK to determine optimal dosing.

Test results from both of these models are important to provide confirmatory assurance of test material efficacy.

 

Ovalbumin-Induced Arthritis (OIA) Model
Most closely simulates the autoimmune RA condition in humans Advantage of synovial fluid measures at convenient volumes
Species	Rabbit
Groups	Vehicle Compound(s) Positive control - methotrexate
Test Duration	30 days
Readouts	Disease model scoring/measurements by experienced staff Weight monitoring and cage-side observations Statistical analysis for efficacy
Optional	PK sampling Clinical chemistries Cells: CBC/diff Histopathology Cytokines Tissue collection; synovium tissue Antigen titers: ovalbumin

 

OIA Rabbit

 

 

Collagen-induced Arthritis (CIA)
Widely used as an important screen for test material efficacy
Species	Mouse/Rat
Groups	Vehicle Positive Control (methotrexate, dexamethasone, Enbrel®, Abatacept™, other) One group for each dose of each test compound
Test Duration	45 days
Readouts	Disease model scoring/measurements by experienced staff Weight monitoring and cage-side observations Statistical analysis for efficacy
Optional	PK sampling Clinical chemistries Cells: CBC/diff Histopathology Cytokines Tissue collections: e.g. lymph nodes for B-cell analysis ; synovium tissue Antigen titers: collagen

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CIA Mouse

CIA Rat

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