Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. has introduced the Retrogenix® Non-Human Protein Library, a tool designed to assist biopharmaceutical companies in assessing potential off-target binding of drug candidates in non-human species. This assessment helps de-risk in vivo studies and facilitates the informed selection of appropriate animal models for research.
The library, developed using Charles River’s proprietary Retrogenix® platform, provides early insights into how therapeutics interact with non-human protein targets in a laboratory setting. This information is crucial for understanding potential off-target effects before moving to costly and time-consuming in vivo studies. By identifying species-specific differences in drug interactions, researchers can enhance the accuracy of their preclinical studies, select the most relevant models, and improve confidence in their data as they progress toward safety studies, clinical trials, and Investigational New Drug (IND) applications.
The Retrogenix® platform is known for its extensive library of over 6,500 human proteins, identifying primary target receptors and evaluating potential off-target binding issues. This new non-human protein library expands the platform’s capabilities, further supporting the development of safer and more effective drugs.
The development of the library aligns with the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement of research animals) by utilizing technological advancements to refine research processes and minimize reliance on animal models. This aligns with Charles River’s commitment to the Alternative Methods Advancement Project (AMAP), an initiative dedicated to developing and implementing alternatives to animal testing in drug development.
Through AMAP, Charles River aims to invest $300 million over the next five years to advance alternative methods, drive industry-wide adoption, and, ultimately, deliver safer and more effective medicines to patients.
