COVID-19 ferret model
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covid-19 Ferret model
IITRI offers a ferret model for COVID-19 which is a robust choice for studies focused on upper respiratory effects and is conducive for transmission studies. We have extensive experience in using ferrets for influenza studies as well.
Below is a basic study description and design, although IITRI can provide specialized study designs based on your needs. Contact us today to learn more and discuss how we can partner for SARS-CoV-2 animal studies.
| Species Information | Ferrets |
| Study Duration | Sponsor dependent (7-14+ typical) |
| Challenge Dosage and Strains |
Intranasal (1×10^6 TCID50 of SARS-CoV-2); wildtype USA-WA1/2020)
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| Drug administration | Aerosol, PO, IN, SC, IV (inquire about others) |
| Possible Endpoints
– General clinical observations – Body Weight – Viral load in nasal washes (TCID50 for live virus, SARS-CoV-2-specific RTqPCR) – Tissue viral burden by TCID50 and/or RT-qPCR – Histopathology of tissues, to be evaluated with standard H.E. staining – Neutralizing antibody titer – Cytokine expression by RT-qPCR (ELISA reagents for ferrets are very limited)
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Read more about the SARS-CoV-2 ferret model below:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2787-6
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-20439-y
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7144857/