Pre-Clinical Testing → Example of In Vivo Study for Efficacy

An example of in vivo study for efficacy – animal behavioural studies

Animal behavioural assessment is a powerful tool to examine the efficacy of drugs. Here, we use rotarod as an example to explain how it is used to assess if a drug could improve motor function in mouse model of motor neuron disease. In this study, diseased mice have been feed a placebo or a drug that has the potential to improve motor function for 4 weeks before rotarod test. Mice are placed on a rotating rod, and those with intact motor function can stay on the rod for a longer time than mice with impaired motor function. If the time mice spend on the rod is significantly greater than in diseased mice received the drug than those received placebo, we can use this as an evidence to support the potential use of this candidate drug in motor neuron disease. Having said that, there are numerous other animal studies that have to be performed to lend sufficient support for the candidate drug to be tested in human.

Image source: https://genomics.tamu.edu/core/rotarod-test-mice-2/)