Program in Comparative Medicine
The Program for Comparative Medicine (PCM) facilitates the translation of basic science knowledge into clinical applications by using state-of-the-art facilities to conduct discovery research and nonclinical studies in small and large animal models.
The Program for Comparative Medicine (PCM) facilitates the translation of basic science knowledge into clinical applications by using state-of-the-art facilities to conduct discovery research and nonclinical studies in small (i.e. mice) and large (i.e. nonhuman primates) models in Good Laboratory Practice-compliant facilities. PCM is an integral component of a multidisciplinary team necessary for the discovery and development of successful therapies for patients with life-threatening ultra rare genetic disorders.
We are committed to improving the health and quality of life of animals and humans. The formerly Animal Models Core has been in existence at the Gene Therapy Program for over 20 years, providing full service support to GTP faculty and scientists as well as to UPenn faculty interested in evaluating in vivo gene therapy. The facilities of the PCM are based at the University of Pennsylvania, a premier organization that is USDA registered, AAALAC accredited and PHS assured.
Our Mission
The mission of the PCM is to facilitate and support high quality gene therapy research by providing a comprehensive program for humane and ethical animal care and use to enhance the health and well-being of animals and humans.
Our Vision
To serve as the premiere center of excellence and industry leader providing comprehensive preclinical research services to improve and establish efficacy and safety of novel AAV therapies for treatment and cure of ultra rare orphan genetic diseases through:
- Adaptation and validation of relevant animal models for use in preclinical studies
- Advanced diagnostic imaging
- Advanced neurobehavioral testing
- Identification of biomarkers for safety and systems assessment
- Improved throughput and scale up of clinical candidates and gene therapies
- Preclinical data management
Our Services
The services of the PCM are:
- Rapid animal model development, expert validation and support collaboration for discovery and preclinical development and validation of novel therapies
- High standard of animal welfare and regulatory compliance
- High quality animal care and husbandry for laboratory animals
- Colony breeding, expansion and maintenance of genetically engineered rodent models
- Advanced imaging technologies
- Neurobehavioral and motor function technologies
- Surgical services to support model development
- Specialized dosing procedures to support research and IND-enabling studies
Our Values
The staff of PCM are committed to:
- Animal Welfare - We are committed to ensuring the welfare of animals in biomedical research.
- Humane and ethical animal care and use
- Collaboration - We understand that our success demands that we share information, promote teamwork, and expand our knowledge and framework.
- Excellence and innovation
- Efficiency and effectiveness
- Integrity and accountability