ISSUE NO. 47 — Size Matters: The Sinclair Nanopig® as a Translational Non-Rodent Model in Preclinical Research
Drug developers and scientists are constantly looking for animal models that are cost effective, aligned with research goals, and allow for lower test article (TA) usage without sacrificing scientific integrity and regulatory approval.
In Issue 47 of The Altascientist, we take a closer look at what makes the Sinclair Nanopig® a scientifically appropriate and cost-effective non-rodent species for your preclinical programs, covering:
- the benefits and advantages of using minipig models
- test article usage comparison between Sinclair Nanopig® and canine models
- the history and regulatory acceptance of the Sinclair Nanopig®
- a case study on reduced emesis in the Sinclair Nanopig®
Minipigs in Preclinical Drug Development
In the continuum of preclinical drug development, the selection of appropriate animal models is crucial for providing the safety data that is required for a novel therapeutic to progress into clinical trials. Among non-rodent animal models, minipigs, including the smaller Sinclair Nanopig®, have emerged as a valuable species due to their unique physiological and anatomical similarities to humans
Miniature swine offer key anatomical and physiological similarities to humans that enhance the translational value of studies, such as:
- skin structure
- gastrointestinal (GI) tract
- cardiovascular system
- liver metabolism
These systems in minipigs are more closely aligned with human biology than traditional non-rodent models (e.g., dogs or nonhuman primates). This similarity enhances the predictive power of pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD), and toxicological studies, especially when studying dermal, oral, or cardiovascular drug delivery.
Other advantages offered by miniature swine include:
- Practicality—miniature swine are a practical, cost-efficient model for preclinical toxicity testing
- Suitability for specialized routes and disease models, in particular within the areas of dermal, oral delivery, surgical modeling, and juvenile toxicity study types
- Regulatory acceptance and industry trends
How Altasciences Can Help
With a preclinical facility in Columbia, MO, we house one of the largest miniature swine populations in the U.S. and have extensive experience in therapeutic areas where miniature swine are highly relevant, including dermal, gene therapy, metabolic diseases, inflammation, oncology, CNS disorders, ocular diseases, and HIV.
Our skilled veterinary surgeons and experienced pharmacologists and toxicologists bring a wealth of knowledge across a range of modalities, molecules, and disease indications to support in vivo studies that advance the development of your novel drug candidates.
Explore all issues of The Altascientist in our Resource Center.