Studies Related to Hepatitis Virus Research

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.

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Producing Hepatitis Infected Animals

The PXB mice are infected via injection with HC or HB virus using PhoenixBio’s own inoculum. After 4 weeks for HCV and 8 weeks for HBV the amount of viral copies in the blood reaches a plateau and the study can be conducted. .

Administering the Test Compound

The compound sent by the client will be prepared for administration in our laboratory at our site and administered to the infected PXB-mice via normal administration routes. (oral, IV, SC, IP)

Standard Measurements

Concentration of Human Albumin (h-Alb Value) and Body Weight

We measure the human Albumin concentration in mouse serum and the body weight. The h-Alb value correlates well with the replacement ratio of human hepatocytes in the mouse liver and is therefore used as an index of replacement.

Virus Titer Measurement

The amount of HCV-RNA and HBV-DNA in mouse blood is measured once every three days using Real Time PCR.

Sampling

Depending on the clients preferences, organs can be harvested and sent together with the blood samples at the end of the study.

Study Examples with PXB-mice

PK/PD Evaluation of Anti Viral Drugs
HBV Infection and Amplification Studies
Studies of Anti-HCV/HBV Drugs
HBV Prophylactic Studies

Case list