CNS Disease Models

A scientist in full protective gear operates equipment labeled "CatWalk XT," used for CNS disease models research with animal models in a controlled lab environment.

CNS Disease Models for Preclinical Research

As a leading CNS CRO, we offer a broad portfolio of neurologic and neuropsychiatric animal models for drug discovery. Our advanced technologies (microdialysis, telemetry, imaging) and behavioral readout options enable deep insights into drug efficacy.

Expertise and Evaluation Platform

Our neuroscience team includes study directors with over 10 years of experience in CNS disorder drug discovery including molecular, histopathological, and behavioral assessments.

Pharmaron’s customizable platform integrates in vitro CNS disease models, efficacy testing on transgenic and inducible CNS disease models, and molecular/pathological/bioanalytical analysis for comprehensive drug candidate evaluation..

Client-Centered Collaboration

We prioritize direct communication between clients and scientists. Our streamlined processes and industry-leading timelines keep studies moving forward efficiently, helping clients stay on schedule and accelerate drug development.

Study Types for CNS Model Services

  • Development and validation of disease models
  • Breeding and colony management for transgenic animals for in-house studies
  • Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) studies
  • Dose range finding
  • Efficacy studies
  • PK/PD studies
electrophysiology-microdialysis-behavioural

Neurodegenerative Disease Models

Our CNS disease models for neurodegenerative disorders provide critical insights into therapeutic efficacy and drug mechanisms of action, supporting translational neuroscience research.

Alzheimer‘s Disease Models: APP/PS1 Tg mice, 5XFAD Tg mice, 3xTG mice, Tau P301S (PS19), Tau P301L, scopolamine-induced amnesia, and bilateral intrahippocampal injection of Aβ 1-42-induced memory impairment

Parkinson’s Disease Models: Unilateral MFB/intrastriatal 6-OHDA lesions, acute or sub-chronic MPTP, AAV/PFF-mediated α-synuclein models, and L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID)

Huntington Disease Model

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) disease model

Scientist taking measurements in a behavioral test of animals for efficacy testing on CNS disease model

Neurological and Neuroinflammation Models

Multiple Sclerosis Animal Models: MOG 35-55-induced EAE, MOG 1-125-induced EAE, and cuprizone-induced demyelination

Epilepsy & Sleep Disorder Models: Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) kindling model, maximal electroshock (MES) model, kainic acid and pilocarpine models of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE)

Cerebrovascular Disease Models: Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) and permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO)

Neuroinflammation Models: Methods involve systemic and intracerebroventricular LPS injection-induced neuroinflammation

Researcher investigates histology samples from ex vivo samples gathered during efficacy study on animal models.

Neuropsychiatric Disorder Models

Pharmaron’s CNS preclinical CRO services offer advanced preclinical models for neuropsychiatric disorders, facilitating the assessment of therapeutic efficacy and the exploration of behavioral mechanisms.

Depression Models: Forced swimming test, tail suspension test, chronic social defeat stress model (CSDS), and chronic restraint stress model (CRS)

Anxiety Models: Open field test, elevated plus maze, and light-dark box

Schizophrenia Models: DOI-induced head twitch response, MK801-induced hyperlocomotion

Pool for forced swim test for readout of behavior during efficacy testing on CNS disease animal models

Electrophysiology and Microdialysis

We monitor real-time physiological and neurochemical changes in response to compound treatment in freely moving mice.

Quantitative EEG and EMG Services: Seizure detection and sleep/wake cycle monitoring with telemetry EEG/EMG, and nerve conduction studies such as nerve conduction velocity (CV), sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs), and compound motor action potentials (cMAPs)

Microdialysis Services: Continuous and real-time measurement of free-drug concentrations and pharmacodynamic changes in neurotransmitters, modulators, and proteins

Scientist in full PPE reviews data on a clipboard in a lab offering behavioral testing services for CNS disease models.

Behavioral Testing Services

To enhance the sensitivity and specificity of efficacy readouts we provide a wide range of behavioral readouts to capture diverse aspects of brain function.

Memory and learning: Morris Water Maze (MWM), Y maze, novel object recognition, passive avoidance test, and more

Motor function: Rotarod, treadmill, grip strength, balance beam test, locomotor activity, gait analysis-CatWalk XT, and more

Anxiety and depression: Forced swimming test, tail suspension test, elevated plus maze, marble burying test, sucrose preference test, social interaction test, and more

Biochemistry readouts with CNS model samples from in vivo pharmacology efficacy studies for drug discovery.

Biomarker and Bioanalysis Platforms

Our advanced platforms support the measurement and analysis of disease-specific biomarkers and drug concentrations across various biological matrices, enhancing the value of CNS disease models.

  • Drug concentration quantification
  • Disease-specific biomarker analysis
  • Gene and protein evaluations
  • Neurotransmitter analysis
  • Flow cytometry
  • Histology and IHC
  • Hematology and biochemistry
  • Bulk RNAseq, sc RNAseq, proteomics
  • in vivo CRISPR screening

Learn more about Pharmaron’s ex vivo pharmacology platforms

Pharmaron offers complete support for preclinical neuroscience research. With deep expertise in CNS disease models, ex vivo pharmacology, and behavioral testing, our integrated platform ensures precision and efficiency at every stage. As a leading CNS preclinical CRO, we provide direct collaboration between scientists and clients—delivering speed, and confidence in your drug discovery journey.

Scientific poster titled "In vivo Characterization of Rotenone-Induced Optic Neuropathy in a Mouse Model" with charts and data visuals.

in vivo Mouse Model for Optic Neuropathy

Brain Penetration Concepts, Challenges, and Mitigation Strategies webinar featuring James Yates, David Fairman, and Scott Summerfield, with Pharmaron branding.

Brain Penetration of Large Molecules

Service overview flyer highlighting in vitro disease models for neuroscience, including assay models, technologies, and research areas like Alzheimer's and pain.

in vitro Assays and Disease Models for Neuroscience Research