Charles River Innovations in Non-Human Protein Screening
WILMINGTON, Mass. -- Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE: CRL) is excited to announce the launch of its innovative Retrogenix Non-Human Protein Library. This groundbreaking resource is aimed at assisting biopharmaceutical clients in evaluating off-target binding within a non-human proteome, significantly reducing risks associated with in vivo studies and optimizing non-human species selection.
Benefits of the Retrogenix Non-Human Protein Library
Developed utilizing the unique Retrogenix platform, the non-human protein library offers early insights into how therapeutics interact with non-human protein targets in laboratory settings. Aidan Synnott, Ph.D., Corporate Vice President of Global Discovery, emphasizes that these insights are generated without the substantial resource investment typical of ex vivo tissue or in vivo research models. This streamlined process enables clients to advance confidently towards safety studies, clinical trials, and IND applications with highly relevant data.
Identifying Off-Target Effects
This new approach assists in confirming whether potential off-target effects are conserved across various species, enhancing the interpretability of in vivo results. By establishing appropriate models from the beginning, clients can significantly mitigate risks related to drug safety studies.
Leveraging the Retrogenix Platform for Advanced Screening
The Retrogenix platform itself provides the industry’s largest collection of human plasma membrane and secreted proteins, exceeding 6,500 clones. This resource serves as a vital screening tool for discovering primary target receptors while reliably assessing potential off-target binding issues. The introduction of the new Retrogenix Non-Human Protein Library broadens the application of this established technology, ensuring clients have optimal models selected prior to commencing in vivo studies. As a result, both time and resources are saved while enhancing the safety and efficacy profiles of new drugs.
Regulatory Compliance in Drug Development
Drug developers must adhere to rigorous standards when submitting Investigational New Drug (IND) applications, and off-target screening is a critical aspect of this process. Traditionally, data is gathered through tissue cross-reactivity (TCR) studies. However, the data obtained through the Retrogenix platform has proven to be a complementary or alternative resource accepted by various international regulatory agencies.
Commitment to the 3Rs in Research
Charles River is dedicated to the principles of the 3Rs—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement of animal research. The newly launched biosynthetic non-human protein library was designed with these principles in mind, using advanced technology to responsibly enhance research methods.
Professor Julie Frearson, Ph.D., Corporate Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of Charles River, affirms, "The integration of the Retrogenix Non-Human Protein Library into our drug discovery portfolio enhances the precision and effectiveness of lead candidate selection. As we strive for innovation in drug development, these advancements allow us to refine research models and foster the discovery of novel medicines."
About the Alternative Methods Advancement Project (AMAP)
Charles River also launched the Alternative Methods Advancement Project (AMAP), a dedicated initiative focused on developing alternatives to reduce animal use in testing. In line with their commitment to the 3Rs, AMAP aims to drive investments and innovations that facilitate the arrival of novel treatments and medicines swiftly and safely to patients, while also investing $300 million over the next five years to enhance animal alternatives in research.
About Charles River Laboratories
Charles River Laboratories provides essential services and products to accelerate research and drug development for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government agencies, and leading academic institutions worldwide. Their highly skilled workforce is dedicated to delivering tailored solutions that enhance the discovery, early-stage development, and safe manufacturing of new therapies for patients in need. To gain a deeper understanding of their comprehensive service offerings, visit www.criver.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Retrogenix Non-Human Protein Library?
The Retrogenix Non-Human Protein Library is a new resource by Charles River designed to help biopharmaceutical clients assess off-target binding to a non-human proteome, thus reducing risks in drug development.
Who developed the Retrogenix platform?
The Retrogenix platform was developed in-house by Charles River Laboratories, utilizing innovative technologies to enhance drug discovery processes.
How does the library aid in drug development?
It offers early insights into interactions between therapeutics and non-human proteins, allowing researchers to optimize the selection of animal models and accelerate the drug development process.
What are the 3Rs?
The 3Rs stand for Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement, principles aimed at minimizing the use of animals in research while maximizing ethical practices.
How can clients access the new library?
Clients can incorporate the Retrogenix Non-Human Protein Library into their drug discovery processes through Charles River Laboratories by contacting their representatives.
