Imaging and Function Assessment Service
InquiryThe global rise in obesity-related metabolic disorders has necessitated a paradigm shift in drug discovery, moving beyond simple weight monitoring to deep mechanistic characterization. Protheragen provides a world-class imaging and function assessment service specifically designed for the preclinical evaluation of anti-obesity therapeutics.
Precision Imaging and Functional Assessment: Accelerating Anti-Obesity Therapeutic Discovery
Our platform integrates high-resolution anatomical imaging with sophisticated functional readouts to quantify changes in adiposity, metabolic rate, and organ-specific lipid distribution. By leveraging advanced translational models, including diet-induced obesity (DIO) and genetic (ob/ob, db/db) rodent systems, we provide researchers with the granular data required to differentiate between "weight loss" and "quality metabolic improvement." Our services focus on providing actionable insights during lead optimization, ensuring that your candidates demonstrate robust efficacy and clear mechanisms of action.
Core Technologies
Protheragen utilizes a suite of cutting-edge technologies to deliver precise, reproducible data:
- Quantitative Magnetic Resonance (qMR) & EchoMRI
Facilitates non-invasive, longitudinal assessment of whole-body composition, accurately separating fat mass, lean mass, and free water in live subjects.
- Indirect Calorimetry & Metabolic Cages
Utilizing multi-modular systems to monitor energy expenditure (VO2, VCO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and locomotor activity in real-time.
- 3D Light Sheet Fluorescence Microscopy (LSFM)
Enables ex vivo whole-organ labeling and cellular-resolution imaging of the brain and adipose depots to visualize drug biodistribution and neural activation (e.g., c-Fos mapping).
- Multiparametric MRI & MRS
Advanced protocols for quantifying intrahepatic lipid content (PDFF) and assessing liver/muscle steatosis, crucial for evaluating multi-receptor agonists like GLP-1/GIP/GCG.
- Spatial Biology & ISH
High-resolution in situ hybridization (ISH) to map gene expression changes within metabolic tissues, providing deep insights into target engagement and tissue-specific responses.
Solution Scope
Our service scope at Protheragen encompasses a multi-dimensional array of quantitative assessments designed to provide a 360-degree view of metabolic health, ensuring that every critical parameter of your anti-obesity candidate's performance is rigorously measured and validated.
- Body Composition Profiling
Precise quantification of visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissue depots.
- Energy Balance Studies
Comprehensive analysis of heat production, substrate utilization, and feeding behavior.
- Neuro-Metabolic Mapping
3D visualization of peptide distribution and activation markers in appetite-regulating brain regions.
- Organ-Specific Lipid Assessment
Quantification of liver fat fraction (steatosis) and muscle lipid accumulation using MRI/MRS.
- Secondary Pharmacodynamic Assays
Evaluation of glucose and insulin tolerance (OGTT/ITT) alongside primary imaging endpoints.
Contact Protheragen Now to Craft Your Tailored Imaging Study.
Workflow
Our standardized yet flexible workflow ensures your project moves from inception to data delivery with maximum efficiency:
Fields of Application
The versatility of Protheragen's assessment platform enables its application across a broad spectrum of metabolic research, providing the high-resolution evidence required to validate novel mechanisms in various stages of the obesity drug development pipeline.
- Incretin Mimetics
Evaluating dual/triple Hormone Receptor Agonists for synergistic weight loss.
- Thermogenic Activators
Assessing the recruitment and activity of brown/beige adipose tissue (BAT).
- Sarcopenia & Muscle Quality
Monitoring lean mass preservation during rapid weight loss interventions.
Tracking the resolution of steatosis and fibrosis in MASH/MASLD models.
- Appetite Suppressants
Mapping central nervous system (CNS) target engagement and behavioral response.
Inquire with Protheragen Today to Design Your Custom Imaging Study.
Advantages
Protheragen stands at the forefront of preclinical metabolic research by offering:
Translational Precision
Our imaging protocols are closely aligned with clinical standards (e.g., MRI-PDFF), bridging the gap between animal data and human outcomes.
High-Throughput Functional Screening and Proven Expertise
Rapidly profile multi-receptor targeted therapies to identify the most potent candidates with the best selectivity profiles. Our team has successfully supported numerous programs targeting GLP-1R, GIPR, and MC4R pathways.
Holistic Data Interpretation and Reproducibility
We do not just provide numbers; we provide context. Our reports correlate morphological changes with metabolic performance. Strict adherence to standardized operating procedures and environmental controls (e.g., thermoneutrality) ensures consistent results across cohorts.
Customer Review
Mechanistic Clarity That Investors Believe
"Working with Protheragen transformed our lead optimization phase. Their ability to provide 3D brain imaging showing our compound's activation of the hypothalamus gave us the mechanistic 'smoking gun' we needed for our series A funding. The data was robust, and the communication from their scientific team was exceptional. We are already planning our next series of chronic studies with them."
Senior Director of Pharmacology, Emerging Biotech
Translational Body Composition Data That Differentiates Your Candidate
"The precision of their body composition analysis allowed us to prove that our candidate preserved lean mass while significantly reducing visceral fat. This differentiation was key for our program. Protheragen's expertise in thermoneutrality-controlled studies provided us with highly translational data that we couldn't get elsewhere."
Head of Metabolic Research, Global Pharmaceutical Company
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can you differentiate between fat loss and muscle wasting in your models?
Yes, using EchoMRI and specialized MRI sequences, we provide precise longitudinal tracking of both lean and fat mass.
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What is the typical duration of a DIO efficacy study?
While customizable, most efficacy studies range from 4 to 8 weeks following a 12-week diet induction period.
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Do you offer services for large molecule anti-obesity drugs?
Absolutely. Our platform is optimized for small molecules, peptides, and biologics, including antibody-drug conjugates.
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Can you visualize where my peptide drug is acting in the brain?
Yes, our 3D LSFM and whole-brain spatial biology services can map fluorescently tagged compounds and neural activation markers like c-Fos.
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Is it possible to run studies at thermoneutrality (30°C)?
Yes, we provide temperature-controlled housing to better mimic human metabolic physiology.
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How do you ensure the reproducibility of metabolic cage data?
We use industry-leading systems with automated calibration and acclimatization periods to minimize stress-induced variability.
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Can your services support MASH/MASLD drug development?
Yes, our imaging suite includes MRI-PDFF and MRS for hepatic fat quantification, often used in conjunction with obesity models.
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What tissue-level readouts do you provide?
We offer histology, ISH, and multi-omics integration to complement our imaging findings.
How to Contact Us
Protheragen is your dedicated partner in advancing the next generation of anti-obesity therapies. From whole-body composition to cellular-level functional insights, we provide the tools you need to succeed in a competitive landscape.
Contact Protheragen for More Information and to Discuss Your Project
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.