Pain is a complex physiological and pathological phenomenon, representing a core symptom in many human diseases. Developing reliable animal models that accurately replicate human pain mechanisms is critical for translational success in drug development. Prisys Biotech, a leading large-animal preclinical CRO, has built an advanced non-human primate (NHP) pain research platform using cynomolgus macaques. Leveraging AI-powered behavioral analytics, high-resolution imaging, and neurophysiological techniques, Prisys delivers precise, reproducible data to accelerate pain-targeted drug discovery, biomarker validation, and efficacy assessment.
Core Cynomolgus Pain Models
1. Capsaicin-Induced Skin Vasodilation Model
Mechanism: Intradermal capsaicin injection triggers localized vasodilation, serving as an objective pain marker.
Assessment Tools:
Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) to quantify changes in skin blood flow and inflammation-related flare area in real time.
BOLD functional MRI (fMRI) to map central nervous system pain responses to capsaicin stimulation.
Validation: Pre-treatment with lidocaine effectively suppresses vasodilation, demonstrating model sensitivity to pharmacological intervention.
2. IL-31-Induced Pruritus Model
Application: Models itch-related conditions such as atopic dermatitis, where chronic itch is considered a pain-associated sensory disorder.
Technology: BehaviorAtlas® AI-based NHP Behavior Analysis System performs multi-angle 3D skeletal reconstruction to objectively quantify scratch events, total duration, and classify short- versus long-duration scratching.
3. Neuropathic Pain Models (In Development)
Spinal Nerve Ligation (SNL) Model: Simulates peripheral nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain.
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) Model: Includes oxaliplatin-induced pain to study neuropathic pain associated with cancer treatment.
Comprehensive Multi-Dimensional Assessment
Prisys Biotech integrates behavioral, sensory, imaging, and electrophysiological endpoints to achieve robust, high-resolution pain evaluation.
Behavioral Assessments
- Cage-Side Observations: Monitoring activity, appetite, excretion, abnormal behaviors, and signs of drug-related adverse effects.
- Spontaneous Pain Behavior: Includes specific pain behaviors and 24-hour activity/sleep cycle tracking.
- Quantitative Pain Scoring: Duration-based scoring (T1+2T2+3T3) for objective pain intensity assessment.
- Motor Function Testing: Muscle tone grading, free-movement 3D motion analysis, and treadmill gait analysis.
Sensory Testing
- Mechanical Allodynia (PAM): Pressure application to measure mechanical pain thresholds.
- Thermal Sensitivity Tests: Heat plate and cold-water immersion to assess thermal hyperalgesia and allodynia.
- Cold Sensitivity: Evaluation of post-surgical cold allodynia.
- Sensory Nerve Conduction Velocity (SCV): Measurement of nerve conduction speed, latency, and amplitude.
Advanced Imaging and Neurophysiology
- Real-Time MRI (iMRI) with Convection-Enhanced Delivery (CED): Using the MRI-Guided Drug Delivery for sub-millimeter precision drug delivery into specific brain regions, critical for pain pathway modulation and CNS-targeted therapeutics.
- Electroencephalography (EEG): Assessment of acute drug effects on brain activity in awake NHPs.
- High-Field MRI & CT: Detailed anatomical and pathological imaging of the brain and other organs, with advanced post-processing for disease progression and drug distribution analysis.
Key Advantages of Prisys Biotech's NHP Pain Research Platform
- Comprehensive Model Portfolio: Covering acute, chronic, neuropathic, and itch-associated pain conditions.
- AI-Driven Data Precision: The BehaviorAtlas® System provides markerless, objective 3D behavioral quantification.
- Clinical Translation Expertise: Led by former clinicians and seasoned pharmacologists with human imaging and pain assessment experience.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: 4,000 m² in-house research infrastructure housing up to 500 NHPs, with surgical suites, ICU, and clinical-grade imaging capabilities.
Conclusion
With its integrated platform combining validated NHP pain models, advanced imaging, AI-based behavioral analysis, and translational expertise, Prisys Biotech is a trusted partner for pharmaceutical companies aiming to develop more effective and safer pain therapeutics. By bridging the gap between preclinical research and clinical application, Prisys helps accelerate the path from discovery to patient benefit.
