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In Vivo Models of Myocardial Infarction for Testing Regenerative Cell Therapies and Cardiac Function

PROVEN INTELLIGENCE ACCELERATING NEXT-GENERATION THERAPIES

In Vivo Models of Myocardial Infarction for Testing Regenerative Cell Therapies and Cardiac Function

In Vivo Myocardial Infarction Models for Regenerative Therapies

CELL & GENE | RNA | BIOLOGICS

A close-up shot of a scientist in a lab coat and blue gloves using a micropipette to transfer a liquid sample into a small test tube.

Franklin Biolabs’ in vivo myocardial infarction (MI) models provide a technical framework designed specifically to evaluate the efficacy and safety of advanced regenerative therapies. We focus on quantifiable functional endpoints, such as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and fractional shortening, to generate IND-enabling data. Our approach integrates surgical model induction, precise therapeutic administration, and multi-modal analysis including echocardiography and histology to provide a comprehensive assessment of cardiac repair and function for cell and gene therapy candidates.

Technical Question Franklin Biolabs Response
What are the primary functional endpoints measured in your MI models? We prioritize non-invasive longitudinal assessment of cardiac function via high-frequency echocardiography. Key parameters include Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF), Fractional Shortening (FS), cardiac output, and ventricular wall thickness.
How do you model chronic versus acute myocardial infarction? The study design dictates the model. Acute MI is typically modeled with permanent coronary artery ligation. Chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy models are established through a defined ischemia-reperfusion protocol, allowing for the study of therapeutic intervention during the tissue remodeling phase.
Can these models accommodate both cell and gene therapies? Yes. Our surgical and dosing procedures are optimized for various modalities, including intramyocardial injection of cardiac progenitors or mesenchymal stem cells, as well as systemic or local delivery of AAV-based constructs.
What histology services support these cardiac studies? Standard analysis includes Masson’s Trichrome staining to quantify the infarct size and fibrotic tissue deposition. We also perform immunohistochemistry (IHC) to confirm engraftment of therapeutic cells, assess neovascularization, and analyze specific protein expression markers.

Modeling Cardiac Repair for Complex Biologics

Evaluating the therapeutic potential of regenerative biologics for cardiac repair requires in vivo models that accurately replicate the post-infarction myocardial environment. The primary scientific challenge is to generate reproducible data on functional recovery, complemented by analysis of structural changes. Our validated MI models provide the necessary framework to assess how a therapeutic candidate impacts cardiac performance over time.

We execute these complex studies within our >100,000 sq ft animal facility, operating to GxP standards to ensure precise surgical execution and consistent data acquisition. By focusing on translational endpoints like LVEF, we provide data directly relevant to clinical development. High-fidelity in vivo intelligence for complex modalities is the foundation of our approach, enabling clear go/no-go decisions for your program.

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Strategic Insights from Therapeutic Gene Transfer

The principle of improving cardiac function through targeted biological intervention is well-established. For instance, research into rAAV-mediated gene delivery has demonstrated that modulating specific intracellular pathways can suppress heart failure progression and restore function (PMID: 12134142). This work underscores the value of using in vivo models not only to test a final candidate but also to confirm the viability of its mechanism of action.

Commitment to Animal Welfare and GxP Standards

Our work utilizes AAALAC-accredited and USDA-registered facilities, and we strictly adhere to the 3Rs (Reduction, Refinement, and Replacement) in all study designs.

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Accelerating Your Path to IND

Our focused expertise in these specialized models contributes to efficient program timelines. Sponsors working with us typically progress from lead candidate to IND filing within an 18-24 month timeframe. While the Franklin Biolabs brand was launched in 2024, our scientific leadership team has maintained a 100% IND-enabling package success rate since 2019. We deliver the precise data required for regulatory submission.

Scientific Process Diagram

This content is for informational purposes. For guidance specific to your therapeutic program, please contact our team for a consultation.

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