Athymic (nude) mice for pharmacology; rabbits, guinea pigs, mice for biocompatibility
“Species: Athymic mice, 6-8 weeks old; the number, strain and sex were not provided in the study report”
✓ VerifiedFDA pharmacology/toxicology review, p. 17Source ↗
Why that species
Immunodeficient mice used so human cells could engraft and persist; no species rationale stated
“The transplanted Apligraf® remained durable, as demonstrated by the persistence of human keratinocytes and fibroblasts, for at least one year in the nude mice.”
✓ VerifiedFDA pharmacology/toxicology review, p. 48Source ↗
Surrogate molecule
No surrogate; clinical construct (Apligraf) grafted onto nude mice
“Apligraf® appeared to function as a skin graft (i.e., healing by primary intention) in the nude mouse full-thickness wound model.”
✓ VerifiedFDA pharmacology/toxicology review, p. 49Source ↗