Nonclinical Efficacy Testing » Non-Clinical CROs and Agencies » SAPPORO GENERAL PATHOLOGY LABORATORY Co.,Ltd.

SAPPORO GENERAL PATHOLOGY LABORATORY Co.,Ltd.

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Table of Contents

SAPPORO GENERAL PATHOLOGY LABORATORY Co.,Ltd. specializes in contracted histopathological evaluation for nonclinical studies using disease models. The laboratory is recognized for detailed scoring evaluations across multiple organs and disease areas.

Features of SAPPORO GENERAL PATHOLOGY LABORATORY Co.,Ltd.’s Contract Services for Non-Clinical Studies

Specimen preparation with a broad range of staining techniques

For histopathology specimen preparation, the laboratory supports Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining, over 40 types of special stains, and immunostaining using over 200 primary antibodies. Specimens can be prepared from fixed organs and frozen blocks, and the team can provide unstained sections as well as quantitative image analysis (e.g., positive cell counts and area measurements).

The company flexibly accommodates study needs across research phases, from non-GLP to GLP studies.

Highly reliable, GLP-compliant testing framework

The laboratory has maintained a compliant (formerly “A”) rating in pharmaceutical GLP for over 30 years. Conformity evaluations have also been obtained for medical device GLP and chemical substance GLP, enabling safety and toxicity testing across a wide range of fields.

It provides highly reliable nonclinical testing services through a GLP-compliant framework and a proven track record.

From basic research to disease-model evaluation

The company receives requests from universities, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutes, and handles numerous pathology studies for basic research and pharmacology studies. Histological evaluation of disease models is also available.

Flexibility to handle small-batch requests and non-GLP studies is one of the laboratory’s strengths.

Example Disease Model at SAPPORO GENERAL PATHOLOGY LABORATORY Co.,Ltd.

NASH model / methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet model

The methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) model is one of the NASH models applied in the liver disease field. Using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining, steatosis, lobular inflammation, and ballooning are each scored and quantified as the NAFLD Activity Score (NAS).

Fibrosis staging with Azan staining and related techniques can also be used to evaluate disease progression, including assessment up to cirrhosis. The model is highly reproducible and is commonly used in nonclinical studies for efficacy evaluation.

Reference URL: https://www.sgpl.co.jp/d_efficacy.html

Non-Clinical Case Study — SAPPORO GENERAL PATHOLOGY LABORATORY Co.,Ltd.

Histopathological evaluation across diverse disease models

The laboratory supports histopathological evaluation studies across a wide range of disease models, from kidney disease to dermatologic disease to neurodegenerative diseases.

For example, in the NASH model above, combining the NAFLD Activity Score (NAS) with the fibrosis stage enables detailed analysis of steatosis and fibrosis progression. In arthritis models, pathological findings such as bone destruction, cartilage loss, and synovial membrane thickening are graded to determine therapeutic efficacy. Quantitative evaluation using immunostaining and image analysis is also available.

See: https://www.sgpl.co.jp/d_efficacy.html

SAPPORO GENERAL PATHOLOGY LABORATORY Co.,Ltd. Company Information

Address3-17, Minami 12-jo Nishi 18-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Tel011-563-6215
Websitehttps://www.sgpl.co.jp/index.html

3 Recommended Contract Research Organizations
for Non-Clinical Studies
— by Target goal and Expertise

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.

Pharmacology (Efficacy) StudiesDisease-Relevant Models for
Translational Drug Evaluation
SMC Laboratories, Inc.
Reference: SMC Laboratories, Inc. official website (https://www.smccro-lab.com/)

SMC Laboratories, Inc.

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.

Areas of Expertise
Disease-Relevant Model Portfolio

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 Design Based on Target Biology

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.

Support from Target Validation to Proof of Concept

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.

Safety StudiesComprehensive Safety Assessment for
Preclinical Development
Charles River Laboratories
Reference: Charles River Laboratories official website (https://www.criver.com/)

Charles River Laboratories

Charles River provides non-clinical toxicology and safety assessment services for programs ranging from exploratory safety studies to IND-enabling development.

Areas of Expertise
General Toxicology Across Study Designs

Services include single- and repeat-dose toxicology, dose-range finding, and general toxicology studies across multiple species and administration routes.

Non-GLP and GLP Study Support

Charles River supports both non-GLP and GLP studies, allowing sponsors to progress from early safety characterization to studies intended for regulatory submissions.

Integrated IND-Enabling Safety Assessment

Toxicology studies can be integrated with toxicokinetics, clinical pathology, histopathology, and safety pharmacology to support interpretation and IND-enabling safety packages.

Pharmacokinetic (PK/PD) StudiesConnecting Drug Exposure with
Pharmacological Response
Inotiv
Reference: Inotiv official website (https://www.inotiv.com/)

Inotiv

Inotiv provides integrated PK/PD, DMPK, and bioanalytical services to characterize drug exposure and its relationship with pharmacological response.

Areas of Expertise
Pharmacokinetic Characterization

PK studies characterize exposure, half-life, clearance, and other pharmacokinetic parameters needed to understand how a candidate behaves in the selected model.

Exposure–Response Evaluation

Pharmacokinetic data can be combined with pharmacodynamic endpoints and bioanalysis to evaluate the relationship between drug exposure and pharmacological response.

Integrated DMPK and Development Support

Integrated DMPK, pharmacology, and safety information supports candidate comparison, dose selection, dosing-frequency optimization, and decisions about subsequent preclinical development.

By Therapeutic Area
Disease Animal Models
and Reviews
Proven Capability, Expertise and Track Record
Top 3 Non-Clinical CRO Services