Atherosclerosis

Thema:
Efficient drug development

Our proprietary APOE*3-Leiden and APOE*3-Leiden.CETP models closely reflect human lipoprotein metabolism and development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. These mice develop diet-induced hyperlipidaemia, vascular inflammation, and progressive atherosclerotic lesions that respond to treatment in a clinically predictive manner. The model has been extensively validated with a wide range of approved and emerging interventions, including statins, fibrates, ezetimibe, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and PCSK9, ANGPTL3, and CETP inhibitors. In addition to atherosclerosis progression and plaque regression studies, we offer dedicated exploratory lipid and lipoprotein profiling studies that provide rapid proof-of-concept data on compound efficacy. This makes the APOE*3-Leiden(.CETP) models a powerful translational tool for evaluating novel therapies targeting dyslipidaemia and cardiovascular disease.

Key capabilities

Study types

Tailor-made efficacy studies for targeted pathways and mechanisms

Models

APOE*3-Leiden and APOE*3-Leiden.CETP

Output

Quantitative lesion data & translational endpoints

A powerful approach to accelerate cardiovascular drug development

TNO supports pharmaceutical and biotech organisations in evaluating the efficacy of novel compounds targeting cardiovascular disease. By combining translational in vivo models with quantitative histopathology, we provide deep insights into lesion development, progression, and treatment response. Our approach allows you to assess compound performance under physiologically relevant conditions, benchmark against existing therapies, and generate robust datasets that support early decision-making in the development pipeline.

30+

years of cardiovascular preclinical expertise

200+

completed efficacy studies across disease indications

100+

pharma & biotech partners

250+

peer-reviewed publications

A powerful model to accelerate cardiovascular drug development

TNO supports pharmaceutical and biotech organisations in evaluating the efficacy of novel compounds targeting cardiovascular disease. By combining translational in vivo models with quantitative histopathology, biochemistry and molecular profiling, we provide deep insights into lesion development, progression, and treatment response. Our approach allows you to assess compound performance under physiologically relevant conditions, benchmark against existing therapies, and generate robust datasets that support early decision-making in the development pipeline.

Use cases

Lipid and lipoprotein profiling studies

Rapid proof-of-concept assessment of compound efficacy on lipids and lipoproteins.

Drug efficacy testing

Evaluate the effects of interventions on atherosclerosis progression or regression.

Mechanism of action studies

Investigate how compounds influence metabolic, inflammatory, and organ crosstalk pathways.

Tailored path to translational insights

  • Study design

    Step 1

    We collaborate with you to define a study tailored to your compound, research questions, and selected endpoints, ensuring a clear and relevant experimental setup.

  • Model-diet selection

    Step 2

    Based on your research question and compound characteristics, we select the most appropriate model-diet combination to maximise relevance and predictive value.

  • In-life phase

    Step 3

    The study is executed with compound administration (e.g. diet, PO, SC, IP, IV) under controlled conditions, including regular monitoring and interim data readouts.

  • Analysis

    Step 4

    We offer extensive efficacy and mechanistic readouts, combining expert pathological assessment with AI driven image analysis, alongside biochemistry, imaging, and omics.

  • Reporting

    Step 5

    Results can be summarized in a comprehensive report with expert interpretation to guide decision-making and next steps in development.[

Choose the right preclinical research partner

TNO bridges the gap between preclinical research and clinical outcomes. Our models are continuously validated against clinical data, ensuring maximal translational relevance.

  • Clinically predictive translational models

  • Holistic understanding of cardiovascular disease mechanisms

  • Ethical and responsible research execution

  • Clear, actionable data to support decision-making

Ready to accelerate your atherosclerosis research?

Get in touch to discuss your research question and explore how TNO can design and execute a tailored preclinical obesity for your compound. In an initial discussion, we:

  • align on your research objective
  • propose suitable model-diet combinations and study designs
  • provide a first outline and indicative cost range