Infectious Disease Animal Models

The demonstration of efficacy in preclinical in vitro assays and infectious disease animal models is crucial prior to embarking on GLP toxicology studies of a new vaccine or antiviral therapeutic. Infectious disease in vitro and in vivo challenge studies can be conducted in our ABSL-3 animal facility including in vivo models of aerosol infection exposure, and in vitro microbiology and immunology assay services. Selected models include influenza, COVID-19, Tularemia, plague, and Zika.

Animal rule studies

IITRI also offers GLP compliant studies to fulfill the FDA’s Animal Rule requirements. This pathway allows the use of adequate and well-controlled animal efficacy studies in one or more species for marketing approval if human challenge studies are not ethical or feasible. Drugs would still need to be evaluated for safety under the current requirements, which we can also handle in our Toxicology division if needed. The Animal Rule can be used to develop medical countermeasures for threat agents, as well as for prevention or treatment of life-threatening conditions due to emerging viruses, environmental chemicals, etc. Our team has extensive experience with relevant models and infectious agents given by various routes of administration (including aerosol delivery) to help you meet your study goals.

Animal Models by Pathogen

We offer an extensive collection of infectious disease animal models with a large library of bacterial and viral pathogens (including CDC select agents) for development of new vaccines, antibiotics, and antivirals. We also offer pathogen aerosol exposure for nose-only exposure of animals, and have the capability of generating aerosols of powders, liquids and suspensions for delivery of infectious agents or therapeutics by aerosol route.

Abbreviations: IC, intracerebral; IN, intranasal; IM, intramuscular; IP, intraperitoneal; IV, intravenous; SQ, subcutaneous.

VIRAL

¹Reconstructed replication competent forms

BACTERIAL

FUNGAL

TOXINS