Charles River Joins Lilly TuneLab to Optimize AI/ML Platform through Nonclinical Testing Expertise

Key Terms

ai/ml technical

AI/ML stands for artificial intelligence and machine learning, software systems that identify patterns in data and make predictions or automate decisions, improving performance as they process more information. Investors care because these technologies can boost revenue, cut costs and create competitive advantages — like a factory that learns to produce goods faster and with fewer mistakes — while also introducing execution, ethical and regulatory risks that can affect a company’s value.

federated learning technical

A method of building artificial intelligence where many devices or locations train the same model using their own private data and only share the model updates, not the raw data—like many cooks each stirring their own pot and sending a note about what worked. It matters to investors because it lets companies improve products and personalization while lowering data-transfer costs and privacy risk, affecting regulatory compliance, customer trust, and the scalability and competitive value of AI-based offerings.

nonclinical testing medical

Nonclinical testing comprises laboratory and animal studies conducted before human trials to assess a drug, device, or biological product's safety, how it works, and how the body handles it. These results are like crash tests and safety inspections: they reduce unknowns, guide dosing and study design, and influence regulators' willingness to allow human testing; strong or weak nonclinical data can materially change development timelines, costs, and investor risk.

new approach methodologies (nams) medical

New approach methodologies (NAMs) are modern testing tools and strategies—such as computer models, advanced cell-based assays, and lab-grown tissues—that replace or supplement traditional animal tests to evaluate safety, toxicity, and biological activity of drugs, chemicals and products. For investors, NAMs can shorten development timelines, lower testing costs, and reduce regulatory uncertainty, much like switching from slow manual inspection to faster automated quality checks in a factory.

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Collaboration supports Charles River’s strategic goals to build deeper client relationships to further modernize R&D through innovative technologies

WILMINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE: CRL) announced a collaboration with Lilly TuneLab, a collaborative AI/ML drug discovery platform created by Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly).

TuneLab was created to accelerate biotech innovation by enabling participating companies to access AI/ML drug discovery models trained on decades of Lilly's proprietary research data, in exchange for data contributions that improve model performance through federated learning. Participating companies may use the TuneLab prediction models to more rapidly down-select candidate molecules. Through this collaboration, Charles River will provide nonclinical testing services to TuneLab companies.

“The combination of Charles River’s decades-long expertise in nonclinical testing with TuneLab’s innovative AI/ML models will support the accelerated development of innovative therapeutics,” said Dr. Namandjé N. Bumpus, Chief Science and Innovation Officer, Charles River. “TuneLab’s collaborative AI platform democratizes access to pharma-grade tools, relieving a substantial resource burden for biotechs. By layering in Charles River’s industry-leading hands-on research experience, TuneLab participants have access to additional validation that supports discovery decision-making.”

Standardizing protocols with nonclinical testing across the TuneLab ecosystem should enable the AI/ML models to learn more efficiently from the ongoing contributions, improving the models further and increasing the efficiency of the TuneLab platform.

Lilly TuneLab is part of Lilly Catalyze360, alongside Lilly Ventures, Lilly Gateway Labs, and Lilly ExploR&D, which together support biotech innovation by providing access to strategic capital, lab space and technology, and research and development capabilities.

Charles River remains committed to advancing the validation and acceptance of new approach methodologies (NAMs), including through its Alternative Methods Advancement Project™ (AMAP™) initiative. Together with clients, regulators, and industry, NAMs provide a foundation for a future where more patients gain access to life-saving treatments—safely, swiftly, and with reduced reliance on animal use in research where scientifically appropriate.

About the Alternative Methods Advancement Project (AMAP)

The Alternative Methods Advancement Project (AMAP) is a Charles River-led initiative dedicated to developing New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and exploring innovative scientific and technological solutions aimed at reducing reliance on traditional animal testing. As we enter the next frontier of drug development, AMAP enables strategic, purpose-driven investment to shape a future in which more patients can access the treatments and medicines they need safely, swiftly, and successfully. AMAP is supported by our global, cross-functional Scientific Advisory Board led by Dr. Namandjé N. Bumpus.

About Charles River

Charles River provides essential products and services to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government agencies and leading academic institutions around the globe accelerate their research and drug development efforts. Our dedicated employees are focused on providing clients with exactly what they need to improve and expedite the discovery, early-stage development and safe manufacture of new therapies for the patients who need them. To learn more about our unique portfolio and breadth of services, visit www.criver.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260618961171/en/

Charles River Investor Contact:
Todd Spencer
Corporate Vice President,
Investor Relations
781.222.6455
todd.spencer@crl.com

Charles River Media Contact:
Amy Cianciaruso
Corporate Senior Vice President,
Chief Communications Officer
781.222.6168
amy.cianciaruso@crl.com

Source: Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.