Scantox offers a comprehensive suite of services to evaluate vaccine candidates’ immunogenicity and safety in the preclinical discovery phase. Our integrated approach employs in vivo and in vitro methodologies.
The combination of agility and in-depth expertise in immunology allows us to solve complex vaccine development challenges and accelerate your progress from the lab to the clinic.
Core Study Types
Immunogenicity Studies
We support vaccine R&D through comprehensive immunogenicity testing, which evaluates the immune responses following immunization. Our scientists work closely with customers to establish a development plan that includes selecting the optimal animal model and analytical methods. A clear strategy ensures precise monitoring and a thorough understanding of your vaccine’s impact on the immune system.
Our tests address critical questions of new vaccine formulations:
- Does it boost immunity without triggering harmful hyper-inflammatory reactions?
- Is it immunogenic at all tested dose levels?
- Does it elicit significant and specific humoral and/or cell-mediated immune responses?
- Can it stimulate T- and B-cell responses through different delivery routes?
Safety Evaluations
We perform regulatory toxicology studies tailored for vaccines adhering to the highest GLP standards.
The process includes Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD) and Dose Range Finding (DRF) studies to determine the appropriate dose levels for subsequent toxicity studies. General toxicity assessments include clinical observations such as health status, local tolerance, body temperature, clinical pathology, ophthalmoscopy, necropsy, and full histopathology.
Animal Species
Rat, Mouse, Rabbit, Guinea pig, Minipig
Dosing Routes
Oral (gavage, capsules, diet), Subcutaneous (including infusion), Topical, Intradermal (infusion), Intramuscular, Intravenous (bolus and infusion), Intraperitoneal, Ocular (topical, intravitreous), Airway (intranasal, intratracheal), intralymphatic, Intravaginal, Urinary bladder instillation, IntracerebralSampling Techniques
Blood sampling, Bronchoalveolar lavage, Nasal lavage, Vaginal sampling, Saliva sampling, Urine sampling, Faecal sampling, CSF, All tissuesIn Vitro Methodologies
In vitro assays are critical for assessing the immune response post-immunization. Depending on the stage of your project, we offer ready-to-use methods, method transfers, and the development and validation of fit-for-purpose methods.
Technical solutions to monitor both humoral and cell-mediated immunogenicity, as well as potential hyper-inflammatory reactions, include:
- Ligand binding assays (ELISA): for detecting vaccine-specific antibodies, neutralizing antibodies, and soluble biomarkers such as those indicative of a cytokine storm
- Other assays can potentially be set up on request or together with our collaborators.
Samples can be analyzed by our Bioanalysis Department if required.
Why Choose Us?
Choosing Scantox means collaborating with scientific experts familiar with the complexity of vaccine development. They prepare and adapt our services based on a deep understanding of your vaccine development and broader business objectives. Our rigorous processes facilitate fast study approvals and rapid initiation, keeping your project on schedule.
