Preclinical Evaluation Of Vaccines And Antivirals In RSV Challenge In BALB/c Mouse Models

By Nagendra Ningaraj, Ph.D., MBA, CCRP, Senior Director, Scientific Affairs

Currently, there are no targeted therapies available for human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) infection, with treatment options limited to supportive care that merely alleviates symptoms. Given the global health burden posed by RSV, the development of effective antiviral drugs and vaccines is essential to reducing infection rates and disease severity. This unmet need has driven a surge in research activity, with both large pharmaceutical companies and emerging biotech firms intensifying efforts to develop RSV therapeutics, as reflected in a growing body of literature in high-impact scientific journals. However, a key barrier to progress in preclinical development is the lack of clinically relevant rodent models.
 

Additionally, robust pharmacological, safety, and toxicology studies are required to ensure vaccine candidates are safe and effective before advancing to human trials. Aragen supports this critical phase of drug development by offering IND-enabling preclinical services, including the design and execution of studies using optimized animal models and comprehensive in vivo and in vitro immune response assays. Our scientists are highly experienced in establishing the identity, purity, safety, and potency of vaccine and antiviral candidates.

This white paper presents several case studies using BALB/c mouse models — both in-house and client-sponsored — conducted over several years to assess key characteristics of RSV therapeutics. These studies have produced clinically meaningful data essential for screening and evaluating new vaccines and antivirals. Aragen remains dedicated to advancing RSV drug development through reliable, science-driven preclinical solutions tailored to the evolving needs of infectious disease research.