In Vivo Model Development for Sleep Apnea

Protheragen offers comprehensive in vivo animal model development services tailored for sleep apnea research, supporting the advancement of novel therapeutics and interventions. Our expert team leverages state-of-the-art methodologies and clinically relevant animal models to deliver robust, translational data that accelerates drug discovery and device validation for sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a prevalent disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to significant cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurocognitive consequences. Animal models are indispensable for elucidating disease mechanisms, evaluating therapeutic efficacy, and ensuring safety prior to clinical trials. Protheragen utilizes Sus scrofa (pig), including the German Landrace strain, which closely mirrors human airway anatomy and physiology, making it an ideal large animal model for sleep apnea research. The use of tracheotomized pigs provides a controlled platform to simulate airway obstruction and assess therapeutic outcomes, ensuring high translational relevance to human disease.

Surgically-Induced Models

These models employ surgical procedures such as tracheotomy to induce controlled airway obstruction, mimicking the pathophysiological features of obstructive sleep apnea. In the pig model, tracheotomy allows precise manipulation of airway patency and respiratory parameters. Key advantages include reproducibility, the ability to monitor direct physiological responses, and suitability for device testing. Primary research applications encompass evaluating airway management strategies, testing CPAP and other respiratory devices, and studying the acute effects of airway obstruction on cardiovascular and neurological systems.

Chemically-Induced Models

Chemical agents are administered to induce muscle relaxation or pharyngeal collapse, thereby simulating sleep apnea episodes. This methodology allows for non-invasive induction of airway obstruction and can be titrated to produce varying severities of apnea. Advantages include reversibility, controlled dosing, and suitability for pharmacological intervention studies. These models are primarily used for screening drug candidates, understanding the pharmacodynamics of sleep apnea therapeutics, and investigating the acute physiological responses to apneic events.

Genetic Models

Genetically modified animals are engineered to carry mutations or deletions in genes implicated in sleep apnea pathogenesis, such as those affecting upper airway muscle tone or respiratory control. While more commonly developed in small animals, advances in gene editing are enabling the creation of large animal genetic models. The main advantages are the ability to study chronic disease progression, genetic risk factors, and long-term therapeutic effects. Applications include mechanistic studies, biomarker discovery, and the evaluation of gene-targeted therapies.

Protheragen delivers a full-spectrum solution encompassing model selection, protocol design, surgical procedures, compound administration, and comprehensive data analysis. Key efficacy endpoints include apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation, respiratory rate, blood gas analysis, cardiovascular parameters, and polysomnography. Our analytical capabilities extend to histopathology, molecular profiling, and advanced imaging. Rigorous quality control measures, including standardized operating procedures, real-time monitoring, and ethical compliance, ensure data integrity and reproducibility throughout every stage of the study.

Partnering with Protheragen provides access to scientific expertise, validated animal models, and a seamless workflow designed to maximize research efficiency and translational impact. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and client collaboration ensures that your sleep apnea research objectives are met with precision and reliability. Contact us today to discuss your project needs and discover how our in vivo model development services can advance your sleep apnea therapeutic pipeline.