Oncodesign Services is a leading contract research organization (CRO) specializing in drug discovery and preclinical research, with operations in France, Canada, and the United States.
This article provides an overview of the company’s preclinical contract research services and its extensive portfolio of disease models supporting translational drug development.
Oncodesign Services’ DMPK division conductscomprehensive studies in pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism (DMPK/ADME)for novel therapeutic candidates. Leveraging extensive experience across a wide range of drug discovery programs, the company delivers tailored and scientifically robust ADME/DMPK solutions to support informed decision-making throughout preclinical development.
The company offersadvanced multimodal and nuclear imaging technologies, enabling detailed visualization of drug biodistribution, pharmacological efficacy, and biomarker responses in vivo. In addition, Oncodesign Services has strong expertise in molecular radiotherapy research, including radiolabeling of small molecules and antibodies, providing valuable insights into therapeutic targeting and mechanism of action.
To address emerging infectious diseases that pose global public health threats, Oncodesign Services provides dedicated platforms supporting the development of therapeutic and preventive strategies.The company operates in-house ABSL-2 and ABSL-3 (Animal Biosafety Level) facilities, allowing studies involving high-risk pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Animal welfare is a core priority, and all in vivo studies are conducted under strict oversight in accordance with international ethical and regulatory guidelines.
Oncodesign Services maintains a diverse portfolio of disease models designed to closely reflect human pathophysiology.
In the field of autoimmune disease research, the company offers both industry-standard and specialized models, including:
- Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) models in mice and rats
- Acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) / multiple sclerosis (MS) models in mice
- Relapsing–remitting EAE / MS models in mice
In addition, the company provides preclinical CRO services focused on inflammatory liver diseases, including rodent models of hepatic inflammation.
The carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver fibrosis model is a widely established preclinical model. Repeated administration of CCl₄ to young mice typically induces liver fibrosis within approximately six weeks.
This model is well suited for evaluating therapeutic approaches targeting collagen deposition and regulation of matrix metalloproteinase expression. ALK5 inhibition, a well-characterized anti-fibrotic mechanism known to reduce collagen induction, is commonly used as a reference compound in these studies.
Founded in 1955, Oncodesign Services isa global CRO focused on drug discovery and preclinical research.With operations in France, Canada, and the United States, the company supports the development of innovative therapies across oncology, immunology, inflammatory diseases, and infectious diseases.
| Address | 20 rue de la Fleuriée, 21000 Dijon, France |
|---|---|
| Tel | +33 (0)3 80 78 82 60 |
| Website | https://www.oncodesign-services.com/ |
In non-clinical development, the choice of contract research organization shapes the quality of the data and the time it takes to reach the next decision. Below, three CROs are introduced by the type of study they support: pharmacology (efficacy) studies, safety studies, and pharmacokinetic (PK/PD) studies. Each summary describes the services the company offers so that you can match a provider to your target and development objective.
SMC Laboratories is a specialized non-clinical CRO focused on in vivo pharmacology and efficacy studies using disease-relevant animal models, particularly in fibrosis, inflammation, metabolic diseases, and oncology.
SMC Laboratories offers models covering the liver, lung, kidney, intestine, and oncology. Its portfolio includes the proprietary STAM™ model for MASH, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Study plans are developed around the target biology, mechanism of action, disease stage, and development objective. Pharmacological endpoints can be combined with histopathology, biomarkers, and disease-specific readouts.
With experience from more than 1,000 studies for clients in 30 countries, SMC Laboratories supports programs from target validation and candidate selection through in vivo proof-of-concept studies.
Charles River provides non-clinical toxicology and safety assessment services for programs ranging from exploratory safety studies to IND-enabling development.
Services include single- and repeat-dose toxicology, dose-range finding, and general toxicology studies across multiple species and administration routes.
Charles River supports both non-GLP and GLP studies, allowing sponsors to progress from early safety characterization to studies intended for regulatory submissions.
Toxicology studies can be integrated with toxicokinetics, clinical pathology, histopathology, and safety pharmacology to support interpretation and IND-enabling safety packages.
Inotiv provides integrated PK/PD, DMPK, and bioanalytical services to characterize drug exposure and its relationship with pharmacological response.
PK studies characterize exposure, half-life, clearance, and other pharmacokinetic parameters needed to understand how a candidate behaves in the selected model.
Pharmacokinetic data can be combined with pharmacodynamic endpoints and bioanalysis to evaluate the relationship between drug exposure and pharmacological response.
Integrated DMPK, pharmacology, and safety information supports candidate comparison, dose selection, dosing-frequency optimization, and decisions about subsequent preclinical development.