One of the most important parts of the entire drug development process is the use of animals in the testing during the preclinical phase.

Humane Treatment Of Animals Translates Into Better Science

AAALAC International is a private, nonprofit organization that sets the bar for humane treatment of animals in science through rigorous accreditation and assessment programs. Earning AAALAC accreditation requires facilities to manage their own internal review, as well as undergo a comprehensive, on-site assessment by AAALAC evaluators. This assessment reviews the entire animal care and use program at the facility, including all necessary internal documentation pertaining to the animal care and use program.  

During the accreditation process the facility creates a comprehensive document called a “Program Description” which describes all aspects of the animal care and use program. AAALAC evaluators then review this document and conduct their own comprehensive on-site assessment. After the facility earns accreditation, it must still be re-evaluated every three years in order to maintain its accredited status.  

Only 1,000 organizations across 49 countries have currently earned AAALAC accreditation. CROs with accreditation are a select group with most institutions being Big Pharma and Universities. Having this accreditation has numerous benefits to the facility and the animals under supervision which ultimately translates into more uniform and better results for Hera’s clients.  

Hera Biolabs Provides The Highest Quality Services With Its Unique OncoRat SRG And Immunodeficient Mouse Models

Hera BioLabs is a contract research organization (CRO) utilizing gene editing technologies to create preclinical research models for oncology & immuno-oncology. Our platform model, the OncoRat SRG, is a SCID rat on the Sprague-Dawley background harboring a double knockout for the Rag2 and Il2r Gamma genes. This enhanced immunodeficient rat model has a severely impaired immune system lacking B-cells, T-cells, and NK-cells. 

Our mission with the SRG Rat and complement mouse models is to provide the best in vivo data with the fewest number of animals. We also strive to maximize the quality of data obtained in each use as well as maximize the quality of the animal’s environment while in our care. 

AAALAC Awards Hera With Accreditation

Recently, we have taken one step further to ensure our processes were sound and have received AAALAC accreditation. AAALAC accreditation is a voluntary process that Hera has taken part in to affirm adherence to the highest standards for animal care, in addition to complying with local, state and federal laws that regulate animal research. This special assessment evaluates all aspects of animal care and use including policies, animal housing, veterinary care and overall facilities. Additionally, our occupational health and safety program was evaluated to ensure personnel safety in working with animals. To attain AAALAC accreditation, we provided the necessary information in respect to our animal care programs and studies. 

The AAALAC International Council on Accreditation commended Hera BioLabs in the accreditation letter as follows: “The Council commends you and the staff for providing and maintaining an exemplary program of laboratory animal care and use. Especially noteworthy were the strong administrative commitment to the program and to attaining accreditation, evidenced in part by the investments in the infrastructure, equipment, and personnel; the excellent documentation, substantiated by the thorough and well documented Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee protocols, personnel training records, and standard operating procedures; and the well written Program Description.” 

Learn More About Hera’s SRG Rat

Hera BioLabs’ SRG OncoRat, a proprietary SCID model, is aimed at setting an entirely new standard for translational research and beyond. By delivering up to 100% engraftment rates, the OncoRat will grow tumors faster, larger, and more effectively for research studies. Because of its optimized engraftment rates, the SRG OncoRat enables teams to therefore use fewer animals and deliver improved tumor growth profiles for both cell-line tumor models and even patient-derived xenografts. Keeping all of these advantages in mind, the SRG OncoRat is an ideal model for increasing the overall efficacy and robustness in your studies. 

If you would like to learn more about our SRG Rat and CRO services, please contact us here today.