Liver (MASLD-MASH and liver fibrosis)

Thema:
Efficient drug development

TNO specializes in highly translational preclinical MASLD/MASH research, supporting the development and evaluation of novel therapeutic compounds. By combining our Ldlr-/-.Leiden mouse model with AI-based histopathology, we generate clinically relevant data that supports confident decision-making. Our Ldlr−/−.Leiden mouse model replicates key features of human MASLD/MASH, enabling assessment of treatment effects on steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. We support both preventive and therapeutic study designs, translating preclinical findings into clinically meaningful insights.

Information

Study types

Preventive & therapeutic efficacy studies

Models

Ldlr-/-.Leiden

Output

Translational read-outs and standardised quantitative histopathology data

A powerful approach to accelerate metabolic liver disease research

TNO supports pharmaceutical and biotech companies in evaluating the efficacy of compounds targeting MASLD/MASH and liver fibrosis. By combining our Ldlr-/-Leiden model with standardised histopathology, we provide clear insights into disease development, progression, and treatment response. Our approach enables you to generate robust datasets under clinically relevant conditions and supports early go/no-go decision-making in drug development.

30+

years of preclinical metabolic disease expertise

100+

completed efficacy studies across disease indications

100+

pharma & biotech partners

60+

peer-reviewed publications

Translational model

Our Ldlr−/−.Leiden mouse model develops MASLD without supraphysiological cholesterol supplementation, providing a physiologically relevant model for translational research. Different dietary regimens (high fat diet or fast food diet) can be applied to drive specific disease features, ranging from insulin resistance and multi-organ pathology to advanced hepatic fibrosis.

We advise on the optimal model and diet combination to align with your research objectives.

AI-powered histopathology

Our AI-based histopathology platform enables standardised and high-throughput quantification of liver pathology, including steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. This reduces inter- and intra-observer variability and improves sensitivity to detect treatment effects. The platform can be applied to both TNO-generated and externally generated histology data.

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Use cases

Drug efficacy testing

Assess treatment effects on MASLD progression or regression including fibrosis up to stage F3.

Mechanism of action studies

Investigate how compounds influence metabolic, inflammatory, and fibrotic processes.

Biomarker & endpoint validation

Generate translational datasets to support biomarker strategies.

A tailored path to translational insights

  • Study design

    Step 1

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

  • Model selection

    Step 2

    Based on your disease area 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 under controlled conditions, including regular monitoring and interim data readouts.

  • Analysis

    Step 4

    Comprehensive analysis is performed using histology, biochemistry, imaging, transcriptomics, and biomarker data, providing deep insights with clinically relevant endpoints.

  • Reporting

    Step 5

    Results are translated into precise and structured reports, including expert interpretation supporting your decision-making and next steps in clinical development.

Choose the right preclinical research partner

TNO bridges the gap between preclinical MASLD research and clinical outcomes. Our model-diet combinations are continuously validated against clinical data, ensuring high translational relevance.

  • Proven translatability through clinically validated models
  • Holistic understanding of MASLD disease mechanisms
  • Ethical and responsible research execution
  • Clear, actionable data to support decision-making

Ready to accelerate your MASLD-MASH research?

Get in touch to discuss your research objectives and explore how TNO can design and execute a tailored preclinical MASLD study for your compound.

In an initial discussion, we:

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