Our Science
Preclinical research relies on in vivo studies...
Preclinical in vivo studies are crucial for understanding and predicting human responses to new therapeutic interventions and are mandated by health authorities for safety assessments before clinical development. However, in vivo evaluations in non-primate species, which are evolutionarily more distant from humans, often fail to accurately foresee clinical outcomes for various therapeutic classes.
...and that can be a problem.
This mismatch can lead to decreased research productivity, hindered therapeutic progress, and the use of animals without improving human health outcomes. Utilizing the most relevant in vivo test systems ethically and humanely is vital to yield data that can meaningfully reduce the risks and costs associated with the inefficacy or adverse effects of clinical candidates.
Virscio is deeply committed to enhancing our healthcare future through the responsible and compassionate application of biomedical research resources.
Virscio's biomedical research capabilities are bolstered by our access to African green monkeys, a non-endangered Old-World species from St. Kitts. This biologically pristine population is sourced humanely, supporting translational development programs with a genetically consistent background that enables efficient study designs with optimized sample sizes.
With our scientific expertise, collaborative approach, and unparalleled primate research resources, Virscio stands as an ideal translational partner. We are adept at producing definitive, actionable data that effectively reduce the development time, costs, and risks across various therapeutic areas, including ophthalmic, central nervous system, metabolic, and cardiovascular fields.
Virscio is deeply committed to enhancing our healthcare future through the responsible and compassionate application of biomedical research resources.
The African Green Monkey
African green monkeys, also known as vervets, are a non-endangered, Old World nonhuman primate (NHP) species. In the 1600s, a subpopulation was introduced to St. Kitts, West Indies, where they have since flourished, becoming an agricultural nuisance due to their invasive nature and lack of natural predators.
The St. Kitts green monkeys, stemming from a disease-free and genetically limited founding group, represent a unique primate resource. They provide a valuable NHP source for in vivo research in academic, government, and industry laboratories worldwide. Virscio scientists, along with industry and academic collaborators in St. Kitts, extensively use them for a range of translational and therapeutic development studies. They are also crucial for NHP cell line derivation, instrumental in vaccine development and in vitro assays. The Cos-7 and Vero cells derived from green monkeys are widely recognized platforms for in vitro analysis.
Genetically akin to cynomolgus and rhesus macaques and evolutionarily equidistant from humans, green monkeys share significant physiological and anatomical similarities with humans. Originating from a small initial population, the St. Kitts green monkeys have a level of genetic diversity that supports efficient study designs with smaller sample sizes and are free from the common zoonotic diseases found in continental populations.
Data derived from green monkey studies are recognized by the FDA and other regulatory bodies for clinical trial approvals of new drugs and devices.
Discover the vital role of African green monkeys (AGMs) in various fields of biomedical research:
The African Green in Gene Therapy Research
Nonhuman primates (NHPs), especially AGMs, bridge the gap between in vitro and rodent studies and the intricacies of human physiology and disease. AGMs are highly genetically and physiologically similar to humans. Their value in translational research has been enhanced with the completion of their reference genome and the development of extensive brain anatomy resources, including cryomacrotome and MRI atlases. These resources, combined with ongoing genotyping and phenotyping efforts, are positioning the St. Kitts green monkey as a premier model in systems biology, genomics, and epigenomics, providing profound insights into human diseases and therapeutic responses.
The African Green in Ophthalmology Research
The green monkey's eye, similar in size and structure to the human eye, is ideal for studying eye diseases and treatments. Their shared macular structure allows for the modeling of diseases like macular degeneration, unique to primates. Similarly, their optic nerve's microvascular anatomy is valuable for studying glaucoma. Virscio leverages this anatomical similarity, using human clinical ophthalmic tools and endpoints for preclinical evaluations of various ophthalmic therapies.
The African Green in Central Nervous System Research
For CNS diseases, AGMs offer a highly homologous system to humans. Despite the insights gained from human studies, clinical trials have limitations, including ethical constraints and the inability to control experimental variables. AGMs, with their similarities in genomics, neurophysiology, neurochemistry, and cognitive processing, are invaluable for CNS research, particularly in diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and schizophrenia. Virscio employs its expertise in neuroscience to utilize AGMs for critical translational research in CNS.
The African Green in Precision Medicine
In the era of biologics and gene therapies, precision medicine aims to tailor treatments for individual patients. Evaluating these therapies requires predictive test systems that closely mimic human physiology. Whether it involves specific drug delivery methods or studying certain phenotypes, Virscio is adept at robust preclinical modeling for precision medicine interventions.
Clinically Relevant Biology of the African Green
The AGM is a cornerstone species for translating in vitro and rodent research to human applications. The completion of their reference genome and the development of comprehensive brain anatomy resources have greatly enhanced their translational value. These advancements, along with ongoing studies, solidify the St. Kitts green monkey as an exemplary NHP model for research in systems biology, genomics, and epigenomics, crucial for understanding human diseases and responses to therapies.
Unlock the Potential of African Green Monkeys in Your Research!
Dive into the world of preclinical research with exclusive access to our comprehensive African Green Monkey datasets. Virscio invites you to explore how this unique nonhuman primate species can be pivotal in advancing your research endeavors.
Our Commitment to Animal Health
As custodians of our exceptional biological resources, Virscio is deeply committed to maintaining the highest ethical and scientific standards. Our AAALAC accreditation and GLP compliance are testaments to our dedication to excellence in all aspects of our work. This commitment extends to every facet of our operations, from innovative study designs and meticulous data analysis to compassionate and ethical animal care and use.
Our approach is rooted in a profound sense of responsibility and integrity. We recognize the importance of these standards not only in enhancing the quality of our research but also in respecting and caring for the animals that play a crucial role in our studies. This ethos of respect and commitment is internationally recognized and sets us apart in the scientific community.
At Virscio, we don't just conduct research; we strive to lead by example in setting and upholding the highest standards in the industry. Our aim is to continuously improve and innovate, ensuring that our work not only advances scientific understanding but also adheres to the most rigorous ethical principles. This balance of scientific rigor and ethical responsibility is at the heart of everything we do, driving us towards achieving meaningful and impactful scientific discoveries.
Our Accreditations and Partnerships
Beyond fulfilling the research and development needs of pioneering organizations globally, Virscio takes immense pride in being an active member of various industry groups that echo our commitment to advancing biomedical innovation and enhancing clinical outcomes. Our involvement with these organizations reflects our dedication to collaborative growth and shared learning within the scientific community.
This partnership with like-minded entities enables us to stay at the forefront of scientific advancements, contribute to shaping industry standards, and actively participate in dialogues that drive progress in biomedical research. Our role in these organizations is not just about membership; it's about being part of a larger movement towards achieving breakthroughs that can significantly improve health outcomes and patient care.
At Virscio, we view these collaborations as integral to our mission. They provide us with valuable insights, foster professional connections, and reinforce our commitment to contributing positively to the field of biomedical science. By engaging with these industry organizations, we are better equipped to pursue our goal of transforming scientific research into tangible clinical benefits.
Collaborative Research
Virscio's internal translational research programs are distinguished by their collaborative nature, often conducted in partnership with leading industry and academic institutions. This approach ensures that we integrate the most innovative ideas and scientific resources to tackle critical unmet needs in translational and therapeutic research. We wholeheartedly embrace this collaborative ethos, recognizing that it significantly enhances our research capabilities and outcomes.
Our platform opens numerous co-development opportunities, allowing us to engage in joint ventures that leverage our unique strengths. A key aspect of our work is the ability to study a demographically diverse primate population. This population's relevant phenotypes align closely with specific study objectives, providing a robust biological foundation for developing and implementing more clinically relevant models.
For those interested in exploring collaborative opportunities in translational modeling that could benefit from validation and application through our platform, we invite you to reach out.
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