In this issue, we explore the miniature swine as an option in small and large molecule studies. 

The choice of species for nonclinical safety studies is an important step in the drug development process. The species to be used is, to a large extent, dependent on the test article type and clinical indication. Existing regulatory guidance documents—combined with careful consideration of the characteristics of the drug being developed, guided by scientific, ethical, and practical considerations—help inform this key decision. 

The most common non-rodent species involved in nonclinical safety studies are nonhuman primates (also referred to as NHPs) and dogs. There is, however, an increasing body of evidence that supports the use of miniature swine as a viable non-rodent option for nonclinical safety studies.  

Chapters: 
- 1:09 — Introduction
- 2:54 — Miniature Swine as a Viable Option for Nonclinical Safety Studies
- 8:12 — Miniature Swine Size Considerations
- 9:13 — Real-World Examples of Miniature Swine Use in Clinical Development
- 10:28 — Species Selection Criteria and Processes 
- 13:10 — Case Studies
- 22:09 — How Altasciences Can Help
- 23:36 — Altasciences' Experience With Miniature Swine Studies

Issue 32 — A Changing Paradigm for Non-Rodent Species in Nonclinical Safety Studies

According to the World Health Organization, at least a billion people are currently living with vision impairment from a preventable or treatable source. The main conditions causing their distance vision impairment or blindness are cataracts, refractive error, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and presbyopia. 

Precedence Research reports that the global ophthalmic drug market size is estimated to double in 10 years, from $34.6 billion in 2021 to an estimated $68.93 billion by 2030. The development of pharmacological interventions for many of these conditions has been accelerating, supported by new delivery methods and formulation approaches. For conditions that require surgery or corrective devices, eye drops are an important part of diagnosis, and pre- and post-surgery treatment plans. 

In this issue of The Altascientist, we explore how to meet the challenges of formulation development for ocular therapies. 


Issue 43 — Advancing Vision Care With Formulation and Manufacture of Ocular Therapeutics

As an end-to-end CRO/CDMO, we have expert knowledge in all early stages of drug development, and we’re sharing that knowledge with you in The Altascientist: The Audiobook. 

Each issue is a deep dive into a specific area of early-phase drug development, providing insider tips, considerations, and case studies. 


Altasciences is a drug development solution company offering pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies a proven, flexible approach to preclinical and clinical pharmacology studies, including formulation, manufacturing, and analytical services.

Issue 32 — A Changing Paradigm for Non-Rodent Species in Nonclinical Safety Studies

The Altascientist

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