Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

Drug Discovery & Development
Drug Discovery Development
Wisconsin Miniature SwineTM for Cardiovascular Research
WARF: P140228US01

Inventors: Jess Reed, Christian Krueger, Dhanansayan Shanmuganayagam, Thomas Crenshaw, Jamie Reichert, Joan Parrish

The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in a breed of swine ideally suited for studying human cardiovascular disease.
Overview
Rodents and other small animals are extensively used as models to study human health and disease, but there are increasing concerns about their relevance. Research funding and regulatory agencies are beginning to demand that large translational animal models be used instead, especially for studies pertaining to the development/validation of diagnostic and therapeutic technologies.

Swine are well suited for these studies given their genetic proximity to humans and similarities in anatomy, body function and diet. However, years of selective breeding for meat production has resulted in fast-growing, muscular swine. Such conventional breeds are unsuitable for modeling human physiology and disease.
The Invention
UW–Madison researchers have developed a novel line called Wisconsin Miniature Swine – Familial Hypercholesterolemia (WMS-FH). The animals are hypercholesterolemic and develop atherosclerotic vascular disease that is remarkably similar to that of humans.

The body weight, size and composition of WMS-FH are similar to humans and can be manipulated easily. They are ideally suited for studying the mechanisms of cardiovascular disease, and for developing/validating diagnostic and therapeutic technologies in the field of cardiology.
Applications
  • Novel model for studying human cardiovascular disease
Key Benefits
  • Weight, size and composition are similar to humans and easily manipulated.
  • Show propensity towards hallmarks of metabolic syndrome, including obesity
  • Friendlier and easier to work with than conventional breeds
  • Cardiovascular disease is remarkably similar to that of humans.
  • Maintained in a special pathogen-free facility
Stage of Development
The WMS line was created in 2010 and is maintained in the University of Wisconsin’s pathogen-free swine facility.
Additional Information
For More Information About the Inventors
For current licensing status, please contact Jennifer Gottwald at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9854

WARF