Drug Discovery & Development
Wisconsin Miniature SwineTM for Biomedical Research
WARF: P130271US01
Inventors: Jess Reed, Christian Krueger, Dhanansayan Shanmuganayagam, Thomas Crenshaw, Jamie Reichert, Joan Parrish
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in a breed of swine ideally suited for preclinical research and the development of novel genetic models of human disease.
Overview
Rodents and other small animals are extensively used as models to study human health and disease, but there are increasing concerns about their relevance. Research funding and regulatory agencies are beginning to demand that large translational animal models be used instead, especially for studies pertaining to the development/validation of diagnostic and therapeutic technologies.
Swine are well suited for these studies given their genetic proximity to humans and similarities in anatomy, body function and diet. However, years of selective breeding for meat production has resulted in fast-growing, muscular swine. Such conventional breeds are unsuitable for modeling human physiology and disease.
Swine are well suited for these studies given their genetic proximity to humans and similarities in anatomy, body function and diet. However, years of selective breeding for meat production has resulted in fast-growing, muscular swine. Such conventional breeds are unsuitable for modeling human physiology and disease.
The Invention
UW–Madison researchers have developed a novel line called “Wisconsin Miniature Swine,” or WMS, that is well suited to biomedical research and genetic modeling of human diseases. The animals’ body weight, size and composition are similar to humans and can be manipulated easily. For example, on an unrestricted feeding regimen, WMS become obese and appear to develop the hallmarks of metabolic syndrome.
Applications
- Swine breed for biomedical research, preclinical testing and genetic modeling of human disease
Key Benefits
- Weight, size and composition are similar to humans and easily manipulated.
- Friendlier and easier to work with than conventional breeds
- Maintained in a special pathogen-free facility
Stage of Development
The WMS line was created in 2010 and is maintained in the University of Wisconsin’s pathogen-free swine facility.
Additional Information
For More Information About the Inventors
Related Technologies
For current licensing status, please contact Jennifer Gottwald at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9854