Taconic Biosciences Expands Immuno-oncology Animal Model Portfolio

Critical Jh Syngeneic Tumor Model Host Now Available on a B6 Background

RENSSELAER, N.Y., Jan. 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Taconic Biosciences, a global leader in providing drug discovery animal model solutions, announces an expansion of its immuno-oncology portfolio.  

Immuno-oncology is a leading research priority because it uses the body’s own immune system to effectively treat some types of cancer. Syngeneic tumor animal models play a critical role because they use standard inbred mice that have a competent immune system, which is required to evaluate immune-modulating therapies. These models are engrafted with mouse tumors derived from the same strain background; this genetic similarity between tumor and host prevents the host from rejecting the tumor.

One consideration in using syngeneic models is that some drug candidates can cause a negative immune response not seen in humans.   Standard mice may develop anti-drug antibodies (ADA), which can neutralize the therapeutic or even trigger anaphylaxis. This can prevent researchers from determining therapeutic efficacy in a preclinical study.

Taconic’s Jh mouse, which lacks B cells but retains other immune cell types, such as T cells important for evaluation of immunotherapies, is widely used to overcome this problem. Because the Jh mouse cannot produce ADA, there is no neutralizing or pharmacokinetic impact on the therapeutic or anaphylaxis risk. Taconic’s Jh mouse was previously only available on the BALB/c background, so it was applicable to only a portion of syngeneic tumor studies. The new Jh mouse on the C57BL/6 background expands utility to cover most studies.

“Taconic is committed to both generating key immuno-oncology mouse models and facilitating access to them for drug discovery,” shared Dr. Michael Seiler, vice president of commercial models at Taconic. “The Jh mouse is available globally to both non-profit and for-profit researchers, including contract research organizations.”

Cohorts of both the C57BL/6 and BALB/c versions of the Jh mouse are available for immediate delivery.

The Jh models are just one aspect of Taconic’s immuno-oncology portfolio, which includes humanized mice built on the immunodeficient CIEA NOG mouse® plus custom model generation and colony management solutions.

To learn more about Jh mice, please contact Taconic at 1-888-TACONIC (888-822-6642) in the US, +45 70 23 04 05 in Europe, or email info@taconic.com.

About Taconic Biosciences, Inc.

Taconic Biosciences is a fully-licensed, global leader in genetically engineered rodent models and services. Founded in 1952, Taconic provides the best animal solutions so that customers can acquire, custom-generate, breed, precondition, test, and distribute valuable research models worldwide. Specialists in genetically engineered mouse and rat models, microbiome, immuno-oncology mouse models, and integrated model design and breeding services, Taconic operates three service laboratories and six breeding facilities in the U.S. and Europe, maintains distributor relationships in Asia and has global shipping capabilities to provide animal models almost anywhere in the world.

Media Contact:

Kelly Owen Grover
Director of Marketing Communications
518-478-6095
kelly.grover@taconic.com