Charles River Laboratories, in Collaboration With MatTek Corporation, Awarded Grant from the Foundation for Chemistry Research and Initiatives to Advance Research Alternatives
Charles River Laboratories (NYSE: CRL), in collaboration with MatTek , has secured a $1.3 million grant from the Foundation for Chemistry Research & Initiatives (FCRI) to develop a New Approach Methodology (NAM) for inhalation toxicology, aiming to reduce the reliance on animal testing. This multidisciplinary project involves Charles River’s Edinburgh team, MatTek’s in vitro EpiAirway™ model, dosimetry modeling by Battelle, and consultancy from Greek Creek Toxicokinetics. The initiative is part of Charles River's Alternative Methods Advancement Project (AMAP) and supported by the American Chemistry Council’s Long-Range Research Initiative (ACC LRI). The goal is to enhance chemical safety assessments and regulatory evaluations through innovative, non-animal testing methods.
- Awarded a $1.3 million grant from FCRI for innovative research.
- Focus on reducing animal testing aligns with ethical and regulatory trends.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration enhances project credibility and potential success.
- Charles River's expertise strengthens the project's progress in inhalation toxicology.
- MatTek's advanced 3D human tissue models provide a robust alternative to animal testing.
- Support from ACC LRI highlights industry recognition and backing.
- Potential to set new standards in chemical safety assessments.
- Reliance on grant funding could indicate internal financial resources.
- Project success is contingent on effective collaboration among multiple organizations.
- Potential delays or setbacks in developing NAM could impact overall timelines.
- Market reaction to non-animal testing methods is uncertain and could affect stock performance.
Insights
The development of a New Approach Methodology (NAM) for inhalation toxicology tests marks a significant step forward in the field. Traditionally, toxicology studies have relied on animal models, which raise ethical concerns and may not always accurately predict human responses. The initiative to use in vitro methods, such as the EpiAirway™ model from MatTek, represents a more ethical and potentially more accurate approach.
In vitro studies using human tissue models can provide more relevant data for human health risk assessments. This is especially important for inhalation toxicology, as it deals with respiratory exposure — a critical area of public health. The integration of dosimetry modeling by Battelle and toxicokinetic expertise from Greek Creek will enhance the predictive power of these tests, potentially offering more precise and reliable results.
For investors, this collaboration could translate into reduced costs over time (as in vitro studies are generally less expensive than animal studies), faster regulatory approvals and a strengthened ethical profile for Charles River Laboratories. These factors may bolster long-term profitability and brand reputation.
This grant-funded initiative is likely to have a positive financial impact on Charles River Laboratories. The $1.3 million grant from the Foundation for Chemistry Research & Initiatives (FCRI) provides a strong financial footing for the project, mitigating initial R&D costs. Additionally, the development of alternative testing methods can open up new revenue streams by catering to a growing market demand for ethical and accurate toxicology tests.
Investors should note that Charles River's commitment to reducing animal testing aligns with global regulatory trends and increased consumer demand for cruelty-free practices. This alignment could enhance the company's competitive edge and appeal to socially conscious investors and clients.
Moreover, the multidisciplinary nature of the project involving entities like MatTek and Battelle solidifies strategic partnerships that could lead to future collaborative opportunities, further strengthening the company's market position.
Project will utilize an integrated approach to develop an in vitro alternative to inhalation toxicology studies
“We are deeply committed to advancing alternative methods, and this program is an important step toward removing the need for animal models in inhalation toxicology studies,” said Shannon Parisotto, Corporate Executive Vice President, Global Discovery & Safety Assessment. “Charles River’s industry-leading expertise uniquely positions us to progress research in this area, and we are excited by the multidisciplinary partnership that will drive this program forward.”
The grant was awarded by FCRI in support of ACC LRI’s mission to catalyze innovations in chemical safety assessment sciences. This grant will advance the development of an integrated approach to the testing and assessment of chemicals, allowing researchers to use screening assays for safety and efficacy testing of aerosol substances without needing to utilize animal research models.
“The collaborative team from Charles River, MatTek, Battelle, and Greek Creek Toxicokinetic Consulting developed a thorough scientific program of work in response to our call for proposals that will significantly advance in vitro inhalation safety assessment methods. The data from this research project will be integral to informing scientific confidence for applying this NAM in product stewardship and regulatory evaluations,” said Richard Becker, Lead Scientist, ACC LRI.
“By integrating MatTek's advanced 3D human tissue models into toxicology testing workflows, we are bridging the gap between animal testing and human biology,” said Alex Armento, Chief Executive Officer, MatTek. “This partnership marks a pivotal moment where innovation and collaboration will lead us toward safer and more reliable outcomes for all.”
Parisotto added: “As an organization, we are continuously working to advance the
About MatTek Life Sciences
Founded in 1985, MatTek Life Sciences began producing three-dimensional human tissue models as reliable replacements for animal testing. MatTek’s physiologically advanced tissue models empower companies in the cosmetics, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries to achieve their goals of non-animal testing while lowering preclinical costs and providing human-relevant results. With locations in the US and
About the Alternative Methods Advancement Project (AMAP)
The Alternative Methods Advancement Project (AMAP) is a Charles River initiative dedicated to developing alternatives to reduce the use of animals in testing. As we enter the next frontier of drug development, AMAP will ensure we invest strategically and purposefully to lead the way toward a future where more patients receive needed treatments and medicines safely, swiftly, and successfully. In keeping with our commitment to the
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.
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Investor:
Todd Spencer
Corporate Vice President,
Investor Relations
781.222.6455
todd.spencer@crl.com
Media:
Amy Cianciaruso
Corporate Vice President,
Chief Communications Officer
781.222.6168
amy.cianciaruso@crl.com
Source: Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.
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