Emetic Liability Testing

The development of a new chemical entity through conventional animal testing fails to detect the side effects of nausea and emesis until studies are taken into man. At this point, the financial cost of discontinuing development can be unfortunate and crippling. We have in-depth knowledge of emetic mechanisms and can provide advice and expert consultation on compound development.

• Common laboratory animals do not vomit, therefore standard laboratory investigation usually fails to detect the potential of new chemical entities to induce nausea and emesis in man.
  
• We have access to preclinical models including the ferret and Suncus murinus (house musk shrew), and purpose built laboratories for in vivo experimentation.

• We have extensive knowledge on the pharmacology of the emetic reflex to help make decisions on the development of novel compounds with reduced emetic side effects.
  

• We are experts in the use of radiotelemetry to collect information simultaneously on cardiovascular function and on the electrogastrogram during behavioral experimentation.

• We also conduct research into mechanisms involved in feeding and general homeostasis as secondary measure affected by nausea and vomiting.