In Ovo Screening : Molecule Identification PDF Print E-mail

A highly innovative technology that determines the efficiency of molecules and rapidly evaluates their innocuity

The ability to evaluate potential molecules of interest quickly and efficiently obtained from high throughput screening is an essential element of modern R&D programmes. However up until now, once a potential molecule of interest has been discovered, it is essential to carry out tests on animals - a process which is fraught with legal, technical and ethical issues as well as being time consuming.

This innovative in ovo screening technology enables healthcare professionals to avoid the pitfalls associated with animal testing by using a process that is both fast and efficient. In ovo screening, covering embryonic toxicology, angiogenesis, and tumor growth is a radical new means of speeding up the process of evaluating new molecules of interest; before carrying out pre-clinical testing on animals.

Furthermore, the efficiency of this process ensures that the screening process is optimised; with all low-value molecules being eliminated from the study at a very early stage.

Three different services are available, either independently or in combination

4010.jpgToxicological tests available/Embryonic Distribution

The process can be applied in two distinct ways:a) by means of injection into the embryo outlining bio distribution and b) by targeting specific organs to gain a clearer understanding of the chosen molecule's effect

  • Injection* of molecules of interest into:

-   embryo (100μl)

-   developing organs (25nl).

  • Targeted injection into organs:

-   muscles, heart, liver, blood vessels, skin, kidneys, pigmentary, digestive system,  brain, genital organs, bones...

Services Available image 5.jpg

►Embryonic toxicological analyses can be carried out at different time points
► Macroscopic analyses to detect potential malformations and mortality induced by treatments
► Biomarker Research, Histological and molecular analyses (In situ hybridization, immuno-histochemistry, cells culture genotoxicity...).
►Comparative analyses, correlation between phenotypic results and molecular pathway networks, databank analyses

Angiongenic tests (CAM assay): Proposed tests

  • Deposit of molecules of interest on chorioallantoic  membrane

-  either directly or...

- after their insertion in a gel/sponge

  • Single or repeat applications can be made

Services Available

► In vivo CAM Assay
► Daily observations (up to seven consecutive days) to assess the efficacy of the treatment
► Angiogenesis quantification

image 6.jpgHuman tumor growth: proposed tests

  • In ovo transplantation of tumoral cells (on chorioallantoic membrane):

- from mass-cultured cells (up to 7 days)

- or inserted into a gel

  • Injection* of molecules of interest into tumors or deposited on the surface.

Services Availableimage 7.jpg

► Tests in parallel to assess the sensitivity of the treatment on tumor cell lines
► Macroscopic analyses on growth and/or on the vascularization of tumors
► Histological and molecular analyses (In situ hybridization, cell cultures, immuno-histochemistry,  biomarkers, genotoxicity...).
► Comparative analyses, correlation between phenotypic results and molecular regulation pathways, databank analyses

* Different doses can be injected either singly or in repetion at different stages of development

Key Benefits

  • Highly sensitive model
    - Low concentrations of molecules/samples in a small volume of injection required (from ml to nl)
    - Ability to detect multiple biomarkers simultaneously
    - Possibility to carry out several tests simultaneously
  • Study relevant to the whole organism
    - Model enables the implementation of physiological and metabolic/molecular process studies relating to pathways as well as studies of complex molecular pathways
    - It covers standard model tests for cellular differentiation, tumour growth and angiogenesis
  • Amniotic vertebrea Model
    - Similar results to those you would expect to find in human physiology
    - Also features strong/very strong similarity with mammals for  development, metabolism, molecular regulation, pathways
  • Ethical model
    - Complies with demands made by the REACH directive
    - Exempt from legislation regarding animal testing
  • Short, highly accurate and reproducible tests
    - Increases efficiency of process/more experiments can be carried out within the same time frame.
  • Analysis of high throughput screening
    - Enables user to test molecules that have just been discovered to give a rapid indication of toxicity/innocuity
    - Potential to optimise molecules already in development
    - Reduction of risk in R&D programs = cost effective
  • Breakdown of molecules suitable for testing :
    Bio medicines, chemical molecules, nanostructures, siRNA, peptids
    - Highly versatile model

Potential Applications

►Drug discovery
►Drug development
►Toxicology
►Oncology
►Cosmetology...

Commercial opportunities

Floralis is currently looking for industrial partners who may benefit from this exciting new technology as part of their R&D programs.

Contacts
Florence Alesandrini
Technology Transfer
+33 (0)4 76 00 78 35
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

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TESTIMONIALS

« When we identified Professor Drouet's technology at the UJF it was immediately apparent that this invention met all our needs." T Paper - Biosynex
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