Hamster Studies

A Superior Model for Xenografts and Lipid Metabolism

The Syrian hamster provides unique biological advantages: their immunologically privileged cheek pouch enables robust oncology xenograft studies, and their human-like lipid metabolism make them especially suitable for studies on dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. BioLegacy leverages these advantages for sponsors’ therapeutic programs in oncology, metabolism, and vascular health. Our expertise employing the distinct traits of this model in GLP and non-GLP studies ensures we deliver the definitive efficacy data required to de-risk and advance your pipelines.

  • Oncology & Xenograft Models: Expertise in utilizing the cheek pouch as an ideal, immunologically privileged site for tumor cell implantation and therapeutic assessment without requiring an immunocompromised host.
  • Metabolic Disease Research: Robust, diet-induced models of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis that closely mimic human lipid metabolism and lipoprotein profiles.
  • Comprehensive Bioanalytical Support: Fully integrated in-house services for PK/TK, biomarker discovery, histology, and more.
  • AAALAC-Accredited Care: Our state-of-the-art, accredited facilities, and trained, compassionate staff ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and data quality.
Oncology & Xenograft Models

A critical challenge in xenograft research is balancing tumor engraftment with a physiologically relevant host system. The hamster’s immunologically privileged cheek pouch provides an elegant solution, allowing for the robust growth of human and other xenogeneic tumors without the need for a severely compromised immune system. BioLegacy leverages this unique platform to provide a definitive assessment of your compound’s direct anti-tumor activity in a highly vascularized, accessible, and reliable model.

  • Immunologically Privileged Cheek Pouch: Ideal for robust solid tumor xenograft growth.
  • Human & Non-Murine Xenografts: Ability to implant a wide variety of cell lines that may not grow in mice.
  • Carcinogen-Induced Oral Cancer Models: Specialized models for studying oral and head and neck cancers.
  • Longitudinal Tumor Growth Monitoring: Precise caliper measurements and imaging to track therapeutic efficacy at reducing tumor size.
Dyslipidemia & Lipid Metabolism

Human-like lipoprotein profiles make the hamster an ideal model for studying your therapeutic’s effect on lipid metabolism. The hamster is a superior translational system for these therapeutics, developing a robust and predictable dyslipidemia when placed on a high-fat diet. We leverage this model to provide a clear assessment of your compound’s ability to beneficially modulate cholesterol and triglycerides, generating key data needed to advance your metabolic therapeutic.

  • Human-like Lipoprotein Profile (High LDL/HDL): A more translatable system than mouse models for lipid metabolism.
  • Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemia Models: Gold-standard platform for evaluating lipid-lowering agents.
  • Comprehensive Lipid Panel Analysis: In-house analysis of total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides.
  • Hepatic Steatosis Assessment: Histological evaluation of fat accumulation in the liver.
Atherosclerosis & Vascular Pathology

The ultimate goal of many lipid-lowering therapies is to prevent the development of atherosclerosis. The hamster’s susceptibility to diet-induced hypercholesterolemia leads to the rapid and consistent formation of atherosclerotic plaques that are pathologically similar to those in humans. Our expertise in this model allows for the definitive, quantitative assessment of your compound’s ability to inhibit or reverse the progression of atherosclerotic vascular disease.

  • Quantitative Aortic Plaque Assessment: Precise en face and histological analysis to measure atherosclerotic burden.
  • Vascular Inflammation & Foam Cell Analysis: Immunohistochemical analysis of key pathological drivers.
  • Correlation of Lipids with Plaque Burden: Integrated analysis to link systemic lipid levels with vascular pathology.
  • Long-term Efficacy Studies: A robust and cost-effective model for longer-duration studies.
Small Animals, Big Impact

BioLegacy’s deep experience in numerous small animal models gets you especially translational data.

  • Hundreds of animal models
  • Facilities to house almost any large or small animal on-site
  • AAALAC-accreditation
  • Expert guidance on study design
  • Rapid study initiation - usually 2 weeks or less!

Contact us today and get the data you need to de-risk your program.