COVID-19 research: Taconic Biosciences unveils immediate mouse model availability 

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 -- Taconic Biosciences, a global leader in providing drug discovery animal model solutions, has announced immediate humanised ACE2 mouse model availability for COVID-19 research.

According to a statement, the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, uses the ACE2 receptor to enter cells.

“Taconic's experience in global distribution will enable us to get this critical tool into the hands of researchers worldwide. Our current wait list includes researchers from six continents, demonstrating the ongoing demand for COVID-19 animal models,” said Taconic commercial models vice-president, Michael Seiler.

Due to differences between the mouse and human ACE2 receptors, normal laboratory mice cannot be infected with SARS-CoV2. Transgenic mice expressing the human ACE2 receptor overcome this challenge and are thus, critical for COVID-19 research.

Taconic’s hACE2 AC70 mouse model is susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and displays symptoms upon infection. It is valuable as it has utility in both early and late stage drug discovery research.

Although SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development is underway, new animal models that address different areas of the drug discovery spectrum are still needed. Study ready cohorts of animals are available for immediate ordering.

-- BERNAMA