Scientific Research in Pigs Is on the Rise

We all know bacon and other fatty foods can lead to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases but the four-legged creature from where these foods come has become an international sensation with regards to its use in scientific research. Pigs are used in efficacy and toxicity models to study cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity, and even has applications in dermatology and inflammation.

The pig has become a superstar in scientific research, primarily in its use as a valid animal model to study human diseases. The Swine Genome Sequencing Consortium, in their efforts to better understand pig evolution/domestication, production and health monitoring, and applications for biomedical research, has identified 112 genes in pigs that are also responsible for human metabolic disorders.¹ With such similarities, pigs can be used for drug testing in applications of various therapeutic areas.

After in vitro testing in ex vivo systems, small animal models can be useful, however, the application of larger animal models gives deeper insight on the potential effectiveness of a drug candidate in more complex systems. Therefore, the introduction of pig models can lower the risk in human trials and promote clinical success.

Adult and mini-pig models are offered by various contract research organizations (CROs) to help better understand the mechanisms of human diseases. Peruse through Scientist’s pharmacology discipline or search for pig models using our search engine to find research vendors who can assist in your scientific research in pigs.

These pigs are quickly trotting away from the breakfast plate to the laboratory and no longer depicted in silly cartoons and movies, but instead spreading its popularity through scholarly research papers. Long live the pig for it shall prove to help us live longer still.