Hera BioLabs

Hera BioLabs is a US-based Contract Research Organization (CRO) that offers testing services utilizing its proprietary gene editing technology and high-quality disease model rats. This article will provide a detailed explanation of the features of the company's services and the models it possesses. Please use this as a reference when choosing a partner to accelerate your research and development.

Features of Hera BioLabs' Non-clinical CRO Services

High-precision data acquisition with proprietary "SRG Rat"

Hera BioLabs' most distinctive feature is its testing using the in-house developed immunodeficient rat, the "SRG Rat." These rats have metabolic functions closer to humans than mice and boast high engraftment rates, allowing for data with high clinical predictability.

The fact that a large size allows for the collection of many samples from a single individual, enabling efficient analysis, is also a significant advantage, wouldn't you agree?

Flexible customization with advanced gene editing technology

Our strengths also include flexible responses utilizing proprietary gene editing technologies such as "Cas-CLOVER" and "piggyBac." These enable precise genetic modifications with extremely low off-target mutations.

You can use it with peace of mind because we can create custom models tailored to your needs and the commercial use rights are clear.

An example of a disease model held by Hera BioLabs

SRG Rat (OncoRat) Specialized in Oncology Research

SRG Rat (commonly known as OncoRat) is a severely immunodeficient rat with knockout Rag2 and Il2rg genes. It lacks B cells, T cells, and NK cells, and boasts a high engraftment rate even for human cancer cells (such as VCaP) that are difficult to engraft in mice.

Because the tumor grows large, an abundant tissue sample can be obtained in a single test, allowing for detailed pathological analysis.

"Humanized SRG Rat Model" with a Reconstituted Immune System

This is a model where human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and hematopoietic stem cells are engrafted into SRG rats, thereby reconstituting the human immune system. This model allows for the evaluation of the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies (such as checkpoint inhibitors).

Rats are a significant advantage because they have a large blood volume, allowing for blood collection from the same individual over time to monitor changes in immune cell dynamics in detail.

Hera BioLabs Preclinical Case Studies

Improved engraftment rate in prostate cancer (VCaP) models

This is a case study using the human prostate cancer cell line "VCaP," which has a low engraftment rate and heterogeneous growth in immunodeficient mice. When tested using Hera BioLabs' SRG Rat, high engraftment rates of over 90%and uniform tumor growth were confirmed.

Additionally, by utilizing the large blood volume in rats and measuring serum PSA concentration over time, a high correlation with tumor volume has been demonstrated.

Establishment and serial transplantation of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models

Here are examples of PDX models using patient-derived tissues for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and other conditions. SRG Rats show faster tumor growth compared to NSG mice, allowing for shorter study durations.

Furthermore, it has been shown that because the tumor grows large, many tissue fragments (PDX banks) can be secured in a single transplant, and serial transplantation to the next generation can also be performed efficiently.

Hera BioLabs Company Information

Hera BioLabs is a US-based Contract Research Organization (CRO) that offers its proprietary gene editing technology and high-performance immunodeficient "SRG Rat." We accelerate cancer research and drug discovery processes with innovative technologies and flexible responsiveness.