BASi Introduces Enhanced Drug Discovery Services

Bioanalytical Systems Inc. has introduced the ability to work with large animals to its Culex ® Automated In Vivo Discovery Services. The process offers extensive, faster, and more meaningful results to help develop new drugs while easing the stress on animals. The life sciences company, based in the Purdue Research Park, is also announcing the addition of non-clinical scientist Brad Gien to its Culex services team.

BASi focuses on developing innovative services and products that increase efficiency and reduce costs associated with taking new drugs to market. The Culex Automated In Vivo Sampling Services have long offered investigators a means to increase the amount and type of data gathered in drug discovery experiments with small animal models.

Large animal models are now being offered. By offering small to large animal studies, clients will have a broad range of options in study design. By merging BASi expertise in instrumentation with an outstanding history of service, BASi will provide clients access to better data to make earlier, more informed decisions about compounds.

The Culex allows programmed sampling of blood and other body fluids without human intervention any time of the day or night or continuously for 24-hours or more. This integrative approach reduces animal usage while providing stronger data. "One major benefit of automated sampling is reduced stress in the subject," says Craig Bruntlett, senior vice president of instrumentation. "Stress can create a significant impact on the physiological parameters and can make data difficult to interpret. Reducing stress for the animal can lead to cleaner, more meaningful data."

Brad Gien joins BASi with ten years of experience in biomedical research, extensive rodent surgery capability, and familiarity with the automated Culex system. "His experience and surgical skills will expand the capability of the BASi PK/PD laboratory in Mt. Vernon, Indiana," says Director of Toxicology David Hopper.