2026.01.12
Since William Castle initiated mouse genetic breeding research in 1902, animal models have long been indispensable research partners in the field of life sciences. With their unique biological characteristics, they bridge the species divide, constructing a solid foundation for humans to combat diseases and explore the essence of life, while also playing an irreplaceable pivotal role in the entire drug development process.
Within the realm of non-human primates lies the "natural code" for human disease research. The pathogens they harbor are highly genetically homologous to those afflicting humans, and the pathological changes and clinical symptoms induced by infection closely mimic human responses far more than artificially constructed laboratory hosts. In particular, biofluids from Cynomolgus monkeys serve as "safety sentinels" in preclinical research, accurately identifying potential abnormal cytokine release or toxic reactions caused by drugs, thus fortifying the first line of defense for drugs entering clinical trials.
Canines, leveraging their unique advantages, stand out as "versatile players" in drug development. Their high degree of similarity to humans in anatomical structure, physiological functions, and genetic material renders research on various conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and genetic disorders highly relevant. Additionally, their moderate size facilitates continuous monitoring studies such as hemodynamic assessments, and canine Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) have become "ideal materials" for immunophenotyping studies. These enable researchers to clearly grasp the impact of therapeutic agents on cell populations, providing critical data support for the development of immunologically related drugs.
Rodents such as mice and rats are undoubtedly the "highly efficient workhorses" in scientific research. They exhibit strong adaptability, rapid reproduction, and a lifespan of only 2-3 years, capable of quickly meeting the demands of large-scale studies. Sharing 80% genetic homology with humans, they serve as "miniature mirrors" of humans in terms of genetics, physiology, and behavior. More notably, through gene editing technology, rodents can be bred into specific strains for different diseases or functions. Coupled with their cost-effectiveness, they have become the most widely used animal models in research, offering a steady stream of support for basic research and initial drug screening.
Today, with technological advancements and the improvement of model systems, these animal models have long transcended their original niche research areas, achieving cross-species complementary advantages. From target and biomarker validation—encompassing Immunohistochemistry (IHC), In Situ Hybridization (ISH), and gene expression analysis—to compound evaluation including Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC) assays, Complement-Dependent Cytotoxicity (CDC) assays, and cytokine release assays, and further to drug metabolism studies involving stability analysis and interaction exploration, as well as drug safety evaluations such as tissue cross-reactivity and cytotoxicity screening—animal models are omnipresent. They have established a comprehensive research support system covering the entire process of "target discovery - compound screening - metabolism evaluation - safety validation."
These silent research partners, with their unique biological value, make complex life mechanisms explorable and potential therapeutic drugs verifiable. They are the "pioneers" in human exploration of life's mysteries, the "safety touchstones" on the path of drug development, and the invisible contributors to advancing medical progress and safeguarding human health. As technology continues to evolve, animal models will continue to stand alongside researchers, writing more miracles of life in the quest to conquer intractable diseases and develop innovative drugs.
MileCell emerges as a trusted partner for global researchers, offering a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality biological products derived from multiple animal species. Our product range includes Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) and splenic lymphocytes sourced from non-human primates, canines, rodents and other key research species, as well as critical animal biological matrices such as serum and plasma. These meticulously prepared products are designed to meet the rigorous demands of preclinical research—whether for immunophenotyping studies, cytokine release assays, biomarker validation or drug safety evaluations. By providing consistent, reliable access to species-specific biological materials that mirror the research models outlined above, MileCell empowers scientists to streamline experimental workflows, enhance data accuracy, and accelerate the translation of research findings from the lab to clinical applications. With a commitment to quality and scientific rigor, we stand ready to support the diverse needs of researchers advancing drug development and life science discovery.
