Build, buy, or in-license?
Build, buy, or in-license?
Mouse model acquisition strategies for drug discovery
The selection of the appropriate mouse model strategy is a critical decision for pharmaceutical and biotech companies engaged in drug discovery. This post provides a comparative analysis of three primary strategies: building a custom model, purchasing an off-the-shelf model commercially, and inlicensing existing models from academia. We will explore key considerations for research teams, advantages and potential limitations, and insights to guide strategic decision-making. This process is often nuanced, so we encourage you to reach out to experts to explore all possibilities.
Key considerations for decision-making
When selecting a mouse model strategy, pharmaceutical and biotech companies should consider the following factors:
- Research objectives: Clearly define the specific research goals and model requirements. Does one option represent the best scientific solution?
- Budget: Evaluate the costs associated with each approach, including costs to validate the model, and licensing fees.
- Timeline: Assess the urgency of the research and the time required to obtain or develop the necessary models. Evaluate the availability of the model: is it truely off-the-shelf or is it cryo preserved, does it need to be rederived before importing to your facility?
- Intellectual property: Consider the importance of owning the model and associated data.
- Risk tolerance: Evaluate the technical risks associated with each approach, and other risks such as licensing restrictions.
Building a custom model
Advantages:
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Customization and precision: Tailor-made models to meet specific and unique research needs.
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Translation relevance: Absence of design compromises lead to increased translatability.
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Intellectual property: Full ownership of the model and associated data.
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Control: Time-savings are possible when using a single provider to cover the full breeding, husbandry, and characterization process.
Potential limitations:
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Time: May take longer than buying or inlicensing but this is not always the case.
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Cost: Complex genetic modifications can be expensive. However, acquisition costs for offthe-shelf models or in-licensing can add up.
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Phenotypic certainty: Biological complexity means phenotypes may not always match initial expectations.
Purchasing mouse models commercially
Advantages:
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Cost-effective: Can be more affordable than building models from scratch, especially for simple models. But, on-going costs can add up.
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Speed: Faster access to models that are actively breeding and do not need to be recovered or rederived.
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Accessibility: Wide availability of commonly used simple models.
Potential limitations:
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Limited customization: Models may not perfectly match specific research requirements.
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Lack of control: Dependence on vendor for breeding, husbandry, characterization, and accuracy of information
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Potential for genetic drift: Risk of genetic changes in commercially bred lines.
In-licensing mouse models from academia
Advantages:
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Access to unique models: Obtain models not commercially available.
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Can reduce development time: May be quicker than new model generation if the model is readily available and transfer negotiations are fast.
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Potential cost savings: Can be more economical than custom model generation if licensing fees are reasonable.
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Established validation: Benefit from existing characterization data and publications.
Potential limitations:
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Licensing fees: Upfront and royalty payments can be substantial. Negotiations may take months or longer.
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Limited control: May have restrictions on model usage and modification.
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Due diligence required: Thorough evaluation of model characteristics and IP rights is critical.
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Availability: Line may need to be rederived depending on health status or recovered from cryopreservation.
Conclusion
The choice between building, buying, or in-licensing mouse models is a strategic decision that depends on the specific needs and resources of the organization. Many animal model providers, including Ozgene, provide complimentary expert consultation, which is highly recommended. While pre-existing models can offer benefits in terms of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and potentially access to established data, novel models provide the indispensable precision and customization required for exploring uncharted scientific territory and addressing highly specific research questions. Ultimately, the most effective strategy involves a comprehensive assessment of the research question’s specificity, available resources, project timelines, and translational goals. Understanding the nuances of each strategy enables companies to optimize their approach to mouse model acquisition, ultimately contributing to more efficient and effective drug development.
