Epistem's preclinical  inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) platform is an integrated offering combining a comprehensive range of models with a high level of scientific experise. Epistem has a track record of delivering high quality preclinical results across a wide range of pharmaceutical clients.

Established models

Acute Models
Our standard acute models of chemically-induced disease are more rapid to complete, providing a shorter treatment period of 4-7 days.

• DSS
• TNBS

Chronic Models
Our range of models includes the CD4⁺CD62L⁺ adoptive T-cell transfer, which gives a reproducible chronic colitis.  Having more similarity to human disease than models of chemically-induced colitis, it permits the administration of test items in a therapeutic context over 2-3 weeks.

• CD4⁺CD62L⁺ adoptive T-cell transfer 
• IL-10 knockout
• Combination studies (synergistic response of novel therapy in combination with current standard therapies)

Model Development
Epistem is currently developing and validating its range of models to include:

• Chronic DSS
• Oxazolone

Typical parameters measured:

• Body weight
• Diarrhoea severity, faecal blood and overt rectal bleeding
• Colon weight & length
• Colitis severity score
• Histometric quantification of epithelial loss and submucosal alterations
• Myeloperoxidase (MPO)
• Gene expression
• Protein expression by immunohistochemistry