Epistem offers, as a service, two preclinical models for rheumatoid arthritis.
Collagen-Induced Arthritis Model
Arthritis is established by a single injection of type II collagen. This leads to joint swelling and deformity. Disease onset is typically observed 3 weeks post immunisation. The effect of novel therapeutic agent administration on the penetrance and severity of disease can be quantified.
Air Pouch Model
An inflammatory stimulus is used to recruit inflammatory cells into an air-filled compartment. The effect of a novel therapeutic agent on the number, type and activity of inflammatory cells within the pouch can be measured.
H&E staining of the tarsus joint following immunisation with collagen