PXB Mouse Services
We provide tailored in-house study services for drug research and development using our PXB-mice that have over 70% of the liver repopulated by human hepatocytes.
Contract Study Services using PXB Mice
The PXB-mice show a metabolic profile similar to humans and are therefore utilized as an in-vivo research model for pharmacokinetic research. The mice can also be infected with hepatitis thus making them useful as an infection model animal for hepatitises. We mainly provide in-house study services in the fields of pharmacokinetics and anti-hepatitis drug research.
What are PXB-mice?
PXB-mice are chimeric mice with a healthy and functional liver that has been 70 to 90 percent repopulated by human hepatocytes. We produce them by transplanting human hepatocytes to immunodeficient mice that have liver disease (uPA/SCID). This method was developed by the research group led by Professor Emeritus Katsutoshi Yoshizato from Hiroshima University. PXB mice exhibit normal histological structures in the liver and secrete human Albumin. The expression and activity of human metabolic enzymes and transporters and the secretion of human type bile acids in PXB mouse liver has been scientifically confirmed. The PXB-mice have also been successfully infected with hepatitis B and C viruses.
Studies related to Pharmacokinetics
PXB-mouse studies can be conducted using the same dosing and material sampling methods as other in vivo studies. The in-house study service of PhoenixBio consists of conducting the in-life phase trials and the collection of samples which are then sent to the client for evaluation. Upon request we also perform chemical analysis of the samples. PhoenixBio also offers an additional service which includes the measurement of human Albumin levels within the mouse serum, expression and activity of metabolic enzymes and blood biochemical measurements.
Studies Related to Hepatitis Virus Research
HB and HC viruses both exhibit great species differences and the only species other than human susceptible to infection is the Chimpanzee. This lack of variety in usable animal models creates a hurdle for designing in vivo experiments for the research and development of novel therapies and the analysis of virus replication and infection mechanisms. However, since the PXB-mouse liver is nearly completely repopulated with normal human hepatocytes, it can be persistently infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses. This infection model can be used for anti-HV drug efficacy studies, studies comparing virus replication efficiency, or virus prophylactic studies.
Studies using Radioisotopes and the GLP Standard
PhoenixBio has a strategic alliance in place with Sekisui Medical Co., Ltd. and all study services requiring the use of radioisotopes or to be performed in compliance with the GLP-standard are conducted at the research facilities of our strategic partner.
