As researchers look for ways to reduce the need for animals in their studies, new alternative methods (NAMs) are an intriguing route to capture crucial safety data and help advance drug discovery and development – specifically, virtual control groups (VCGs).

Join Steve Bulera, CVP and Chief Scientific Officer for Safety Assessment and Toxicology at Charles River, as he discusses how VCGs can be a viable alternative to research models, what it would take for the industry to widely accept NAMs, and how they can revolutionize research for the future.

Show Notes

Virtual Control Groups

Sounds of Science E73: Virtual Control Groups

Modernizing Drug Development with Virtual Control Groups

Virtual Control Groups: A Data-Driven Novel Method

Revolutionizing the Future of Safety Studies

Charles River Laboratories Announces Development of Nonclinical Virtual Control Groups with Sanofi to Reduce the Use of Animals

Dr. Jared Baeten, Senior Vice President of Clinical Development and Virology Therapeutic Area Head at Gilead Sciences, joins me to discuss the incredible advancements in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) treatments in honor of World AIDS Day. What if a twice yearly shot could replace a daily pill? Listen now to learn more!

As researchers continue to look for new ways to test therapeutics in vitro, the field of biomedical engineering is offering new microphysiological systems that can reduce the need for animal models. Hear from Jeffrey Borenstein, Director of the Biomedical Engineering Centre at Draper, as he explains how it works, ways to expedite its access, and the benefits they will ultimately bring to patients.

Show Notes 
 

The Coming of Age of Organ-on-a-Chip technology

Sounds of Science E76: Multi-Organ Chip Systems

Charles River Joins Consortium to Advance Organ-on-a-Chip Technology

Bold New Approached: The Future of Organoid Intelligence

Organoids Evolve from Academic Marvel to Industrial Tool

I am joined by Raphael (Ralph) Malbrue, Director & Attending Veterinarian, Center for Comparative Medicine, University of Virginia; and Christina (Winnie) Winnicker, Executive Director for Laboratory Animal Medicine for Charles River. Both bring a fresh perspective to the questions of how to improve diversity in veterinary medicine, how to inform new graduates of previously unconsidered career paths in lab animal medicine, and what kind of specialties are in demand in the industry now.

Piotr Kosla, founder of the PACS2 Research Foundation, joins us to discuss his personal motivation to develop the first treatment for Development and Epileptic Encephalopathy 66 (PACS2 Syndrome), how cell painting assays are being used to repurpose a treatment for this condition, what the future holds for research in this area, and how you can help contribute to his mission.

Show Notes

• PACS2 Research Foundation
• Eureka Blog | Drug Repurposing Through Cell Painting Could Treat Rare Disease
• ASO Screening Services
• Gene Therapy Services
• Art of Science: Cell Painting
• Free for Life: The Story of n-Lorem Foundation

Lisa Sharp, Project Coordinator for Charles River, joins us to discuss her COVID lockdown experience. Right at the beginning of the pandemic, just weeks apart, both she and her husband were diagnosed with cancer. Sadly, he didn't make it. While Lisa and their daughter faced the worst, she decided to make big changes to her life and career. Listen now to hear her story.

Imagine you’re exploring the great outdoors when, out of nowhere, you feel the fangs of a snake – a poisonous snake – breaking through your skin. Medical care is nowhere in sight, so you’re left with the terrifying prospect of venom slowly infecting your body’s critical functions.

This is the reality that roughly five million people face annually. Over 500,000 of which either die or are permanently maimed or suffer long-term cardiovascular/neurological impairments.

However, Drs. Rebecca Carter and Matt Lewin are working to change that. Their work at Ophirex revolves around further developing Varespladib, a repurposed drug, as an accessible and affordable oral treatment to instantly combat venomous snakebites. By ingesting a small tablet or capsule, victims can buy time to seek out more advanced care, giving them a better chance to limit complications and prevent death.

Join us as we explore the impacts snake venom has on the body, how Drs. Carter and Lewin discovered Varespladib, how collaborations and partnerships have benefited their development of this treatment, and what can be done to improve its accessibility, especially in remote areas of the world.

Show Notes

Ophirex Lifesaving Antidotes

Antivenoms -_World Health Organization

Interventions for the Preventing Reactions to Snake Venoms - National Institute of Health

I am joined by Dr. Kacey Ronaldson-Bouchard from Columbia University, who is an expert on linking organs on a chip together to form models of human systems. Can these models replace animals? Can they save time and money in drug development and safety testing? Find out now when you listen to this podcast!