Sigma has extended its range of knockout rat models, launching a suite of models designed to facilitate more predictive absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADME/Tox) studies.
The offerings are expected to help researchers establish the efficacy of drugs more rapidly and with greater accuracy due to the rat's ability to better model human physiology when compared to the mouse models currently used.
The four new models were developed by Sigma Advanced Genetic Engineering (SAGE) Labs and have single gene deletions to well-established drug transporters: Mdr1a (P-glycoprotein), Mrp1 (Multiple drug resistance-associated protein 1), Mrp2 (Multiple drug resistance-associated protein 2), Pxr (Pregnane X receptor) and Bcrp (Breast cancer resistance protein).
The validated Mdr1a knockout model is currently available for purchase, while the other models are expected to be available for purchase later this year.
Dr Edward Weinstein, director of Sage Labs, said: 'Our knockout rat models provide a more human-like model and, at the same time, significantly decrease time to market for these therapeutics.
'A rat that is deficient in P-glycopotein (PGP) expression, for example, serves as an improved model over the existing mouse model due to its metabolism and physiology, making it more predictive of how a drug will behave in humans.
He added: 'This is of huge benefit to drug discovery, enabling researchers to go back and address issues much sooner than they can today.' The latest knockout rat models were developed using Sigma-Aldrich's Compozr Zinc Finger Nuclease (ZFN) gene-editing technology, which enables scientists to deactivate or 'knockout' specific genes that are associated with human disease.
