Nonclinical Efficacy Testing » Non-Clinical CROs and Agencies » WuXi AppTec

WuXi AppTec

WuXi AppTec is a global CRO/CDMO group providing fully integrated services spanning discovery research, nonclinical development, and CMC. In Japan, WuXi AppTec Japan serves as a local liaison for overseas nonclinical facilities, acting as a project interface and technical consulting partner for Japanese clients.
This page provides an overview of WuXi AppTec’s nonclinical capabilities, representative disease models, and selected development case examples.

Features of WuXi AppTec’s Contract Services for Non-Clinical Studies

Broad and Integrated Nonclinical Development Platform

WuXi AppTec offers a comprehensive, integrated nonclinical platform encompassing safety assessment (toxicology), ADME/DMPK, bioanalysis, and analytical chemistry.All studies required to support IND-enabling programs can be conducted under a single, coordinated framework , including centralized project management. By integrating datasets across disciplines, WuXi AppTec supports optimized study design, data interpretation, and regulatory-ready reporting.

Advanced Toxicology Capabilities with Full GLP Compliance

WuXi AppTec provides toxicology services in full compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), coveringsingle-dose, repeat-dose, chronic toxicity, and carcinogenicity studies.
With large-scale animal facilities and environmentally controlled test environments, the organization supports safety evaluation from early screening through IND and NDA submission stages.
Close integration with DMPK and bioanalytical teams further enhances data consistency, scientific insight, and overall study reliability.

DMPK Expertise and Global Regulatory Readiness

Dedicated DMPK/ADME teams, supported by a global R&D network, enable studies across a wide range of molecular modalities, including small molecules, antibodies, oligonucleotides, and PROTACs.
WuXi AppTec maintains compliance with international animal welfare standards, including AAALAC accreditation, and has extensive experience supporting regulatory submissions to the FDA, EMA, and NMPA. Advanced automation and analytical technologies enable efficient data generation and timely delivery for global development programs.

Examples of Disease Models Available at WuXi AppTec

In oncology research, WuXi AppTec offersa broad portfolio of in vivo models, including cell line–derived xenografts (CDX), patient-derived xenografts (PDX), syngeneic tumor models, and humanized immune system models.
These platforms enable evaluation of tumor biology and immune interactions and are widely used in the development of oncology therapeutics, immunotherapies, and antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs).

For hematologic and cardiovascular indications, WuXi AppTec providesdisease models related to coagulation and vascular function, including thrombosis, bleeding disorders, and hemophilia models (FVIII-deficient mice), as well as models of vascular disease, hypertension, and heart failure.
These models support efficacy assessment, mechanism-of-action studies, and bleeding risk evaluation, facilitating informed decision-making throughout drug discovery and development.

WuXi AppTec Non-Clinical Case Study

Model Development to Enhance Translational Relevance

WuXi AppTec actively develops disease models designed to improve the translational relevance of nonclinical data to human clinical outcomes.
One representative example is the development of a humanized mouse model in which the murine glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) gene is replaced with its human counterpart. This model was established to support evaluation of dual-acting agents targeting both GLP-1 receptor (GLP1R) and GIPR.
By minimizing species-related differences in receptor pharmacology, this humanized model enables more predictive assessment of anti-obesity and metabolic efficacy for dual-target therapeutics such as tirzepatide and AMG133. Compared with conventional wild-type rodent models, the system provides human-relevant efficacy data and contributes to improved clinical translation of nonclinical findings.

WuXi AppTec Company Information

Address KRP BIZ NEXT (WuXi AppTec Japan Inc.), 3F, KRP Bldg. 4, 93 Chudoji Awata-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Tel +81 (75) 315-1044
Website https://www.wuxiapptec.com/
3 Recommended Contract Research Organizations for Non-Clinical Studies
— by Target goal and Expertise

In drug discovery, the quality and efficiency of non-clinical studies have a direct impact on clinical success rates, development costs, and overall length of time required in R&D. In recent years, there has been more demand for clinically relevant data, globally accepted reliability, and accurate early-stage screening. Thus, it is more important than ever to select the right CRO (Contract Research Organization) for strategic approach.
In this article, we highlight three CROs with proven technical capabilities, expertise, and long standing track records. These are our TOP 3 choices based on their capabilities and the specific target goals of the researchers for their non-clinical studies.

Pharmacology (Efficacy) Studies
Replicate unknown pathological models and
Discovery to clinically oriented drug evaluation
SMC Laboratories, Inc.
SMC Laboratories, Inc.
Reference: SMC Laboratories, Inc. official website (https://www.smccro-lab.com/jp/)
  • SMC Laboratories, Inc. has established a disease models using patented mouse technologies. The company has established proprietary pathological models—particularly in liver disease and fibrosis—and continues to expand their approach across a wide range of models in cancer, inflammation, and metabolic diseases.
  • From exploratory research to clinically oriented efficacy evaluation, SMC offers customized study designs, dosing strategies, and evaluation analysis tailored to each project. Their collaborative approach allows researchers to discuss and refine study plans together with SMC’s expert scientists.
  • With flexible small-scale study options and strong technical support, SMC Laboratories, Inc. is an ideal partner for start-ups, biotech ventures, and academic institutions alike.
Safety Studies
Comprehensive Safety Evaluation for FIH Applications
Labcorp Holdings Inc.
(Labcorp Drug Development)
Labcorp Holdings Inc.
Reference: Labcorp Holdings Inc. official website (https://jp.labcorp.com/)
  • Labcorp Holdings Inc. provides a fully integrated GLP testing system aligned with international regulatory standards, including FDA, EMA, and PMDA requirements. All studies are conducted under ICH-compliant quality assurance, making it ready for data submission.
  • The company has extensive expertise in long-term toxicity studies such as Segment I–III reproductive and carcinogenicity studies, as well as 2-year chronic toxicity assessments.
  • Labcorp Holdings Inc.’s comprehensive approach enables sponsors to efficiently outsource the entire preclinical package from toxicology, toxicokinetic (TK), and safety pharmacology study design to execution. This accelerates a path to First-in-Human (FIH) trials. For most of the global drug developers, this all-in-one service structure minimizes cost, risk, and expedite the time before advancing to clinical phase.
Pharmacokinetic (PK/PD) Studies
High-Precision Bioanalysis for Clinically Predictive PK/PD Evaluation
PhoenixBio Co., Ltd.
PhoenixBio Co., Ltd.
Source: PhoenixBio Co., Ltd. Official Website (https://phoenixbio.co.jp/)
  • PhoenixBio Co., Ltd. offers pharmacokinetic and hepatic metabolism studies using their proprietary PXB-mouse®, a humanized-liver chimeric mouse model. This platform enables the acquisition of data with high clinical correlation in ADME, drug–to–drug interaction studies, bridging the gap between preclinical and clinical stages.
  • With advanced LC-MS/MS-based bioanalysis, PhoenixBio Co., Ltd. provides a seamless workflow from plasma concentration measurement and metabolite identification to quantitative validation.
  • The company offers an integrated evaluation analysis covering pharmacokinetics, hepatotoxicity, and safety with flexibility to accommodate complex modalities such as oligonucleotide and middle-molecule therapeutics. For compounds where hepatic metabolism is a development bottleneck—or where quantitative, reproducible exposure data are critical—PhoenixBio Co., Ltd. delivers unmatched analytical precision and consistency.
By Therapeutic Area
Disease Animal Models
and Reviews
Proven Capability, Expertise and Track Record
Top 3 Non-Clinical CRO Services