Liss' Lowdown #23

Preclinical Breakthrough of the month:

Charles River Laboratories Launches AMAP Initiative to Reduce Animal Testing in Drug Discovery

Charles River Laboratories (CRL) launches the Alternative Methods Advancement Project (AMAP) to reduce animal testing in drug discovery. AMAP introduces animal model alternatives to CRL's services and invests in AI for drug discovery. Birgit Girshick , CRL's COO, underscores the importance of scientific rigor and collaboration to drive change. CRL has allocated significant resources, investing $200 million in the past four years on developing alternatives to animal testing and plans to spend an additional $300 million over the next five years. Despite past challenges, including investigations, CRL remains committed to advancing alternatives and inspiring confidence in their implementation.

Clinical Breakthrough of the month:

Lassa Fever Vaccine Enters Phase 2 Clinical Trial in West Africa

IAVI , in collaboration with CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) , has initiated the first Phase 2 clinical trial for a Lassa fever vaccine candidate in Nigeria, a region heavily affected by the deadly haemorrhagic fever. The trial aims to assess safety, tolerability, and immune response in over 600 participants across Ghana, Liberia, and Nigeria. No approved vaccine currently exists for Lassa fever, which poses a significant public health threat in West Africa. The trial, conducted in consultation with local partners, marks a critical step in vaccine development efforts against priority pathogens. Successful outcomes could lead to licensure and widespread availability of the vaccine, addressing a crucial gap in epidemic preparedness. IAVI's vaccine candidate utilizes the rVSV platform, previously used in the successful Zaire ebolavirus vaccine, ERVEBO®, demonstrating the potential for rapid and effective vaccine development. The study's results, expected in 2025, will contribute valuable insights to global health efforts and support equitable access to essential vaccines.

Partnership of the month:

LabConnect Expands Scientific Consulting Services with Acquisition of A4P - A LabConnect Company : Accelerating Clinical Research Trials

LabConnect recently acquired A4P Consulting Ltd, a scientific consultancy specializing in bioanalytical and biosample project management for pre-clinical and clinical trials. A4P, headquartered in the UK and Switzerland, brings expertise in regulated bioanalysis, genomics, biomarker strategy, and personalized healthcare. By merging, LabConnect aims to enhance global reach and service offerings, assisting clients in achieving trial objectives faster. LabConnect provides central laboratory services and functional service provider (FSP) solutions, catering to pharmaceutical, biotech, and research organizations worldwide. The acquisition strengthens LabConnect's position in the industry, offering tailored scientific solutions to accelerate drug development and improve patient outcomes.