Pruritus (itch) is an unpleasant sensation that provokes the desire to scratch, ranging from mild annoyance to intractable, disabling conditions. It can be associated with primary skin disorders (atopic dermatitis, psoriasis) or systemic diseases (renal, cholestatic, hematologic, endocrine). HKeyBio offers two well-validated NHP pruritus models: mechanical damage induced model (mimicking wound healing-associated itch) and IL-31 induced model (directly activating the key immune-neural itching pathway). Both models recapitulate human chronic itch features, providing robust platforms for preclinical efficacy testing of novel anti-pruritic therapeutics.
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瘙痒
Clinically relevant – Two complementary models cover different itch etiologies: mechanical damage (wound healing) and IL-31 mediated (inflammatory/neurogenic).
Quantifiable endpoints – Itch events (scratching behavior) as primary endpoint; molecular markers (IL-31, TGF-β mRNA) for mechanistic insights.
Translational value – NHP models offer high genetic and physiological similarity to humans, ideal for testing anti-itch drugs (anti-IL-31, JAK inhibitors, TRP channel modulators).
Multi-mechanism coverage – Mechanical model captures wound healing-associated itch; IL-31 model captures inflammatory/neurogenic itch.
IND-ready data packages – Studies can be conducted in accordance with GLP principles.
Mechanical damage Induced NHP Pruritus Model
IL-31 Induced NHP Pruritus Model
• Efficacy testing of anti-pruritic drugs (anti-IL-31 antibodies, JAK inhibitors, TRPV1 antagonists, opioid receptor modulators)
• Target validation for IL-31 and downstream signaling pathways
• Mechanism of action studies for chronic itch
• Biomarker discovery (IL-31, TGF-β, other itch-related mediators)
• IND-enabling safety pharmacology studies for compounds with potential pruritic side effects
Parameter | Mechanical Damage Induced Model | IL-31 Induced Model |
Species | Cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis) | Cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis) |
Induction method | Cutaneous mechanical injury (skin wounding) | Recombinant IL-31 administration (subcutaneous/intradermal) |
Study duration | 7–14 days post-wounding | Single or repeated dosing; observation up to 28 days |
Key endpoints | Itch events (scratching behavior), IL-31 mRNA, TGF-β mRNA in skin | Itch events (scratching behavior) |
Data package | Raw data, analysis reports, video recordings of itch behavior, qPCR data (mechanical model), bioinformatics (optional) | |
Q: What are the differences between the two pruritus models?
A: The mechanical damage model mimics wound healing-associated itch and involves local tissue injury with elevated IL-31 and TGF-β. The IL-31 model directly activates the immune-neural itching pathway, representing inflammatory/neurogenic itch (e.g., atopic dermatitis-associated pruritus).
Q: How is itch quantified in these models?
A: Itch is quantified by recording scratching behavior (itch events) over defined time periods, typically using video monitoring and manual or automated scoring.
Q: Can these models be used for IND-enabling studies?
A:Yes. Studies can be conducted in accordance with GLP principles for regulatory submissions (FDA, EMA).
Q: Do you offer customized study protocols?
A: Absolutely. Our scientific team tailors dosing regimens, endpoint analyses, and model selection to your specific drug candidate and study objectives.
