Modelling Genicular Artery Embolization in Göttingen Minipigs: An Integrated Preclinical Capability
A translational large animal design combining interventional embolisation, systemic pharmacokinetics, gut microbiome sequencing, and clinical pathology, delivered in-house at Palamur Biosciences.
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive interventional technique of growing interest in the management of chronic knee pain and osteoarthritis. As sponsors advance therapies delivered via this route, or evaluate agents whose systemic exposure follows localised interventional administration, there is an increasing need for preclinical models that capture the full biological picture, not only the local intervention, but the downstream systemic and biological consequences.
The Göttingen Minipig offers a well-established translational platform for this class of work. Its vascular anatomy, size, and physiological relevance make it particularly suited to interventional radiology procedures that would be technically difficult in smaller species.
An integrated study design
Palamur Biosciences has developed the capability to deliver a fully integrated GAE study in Göttingen Minipigs. The design combines the following elements within a single in-house workflow:
Endovascular dual-catheter procedure. Genicular artery embolisation is performed under fluoroscopic guidance using a carotid balloon catheter combined with a contralateral femoral microcatheter approach, ensuring targeted embolisation and preventing distal migration of embolic particles.
Comprehensive pharmacokinetic profiling. Plasma concentrations of the test article are quantified by validated LC-MS/MS across 17 timepoints, from 5 minutes to 120 hours, supporting robust NCA parameter estimation.
Gut microbiome analysis. Faecal samples collected at baseline, Day 1, Day 3, and Day 5 are analysed by targeted 16S rRNA sequencing (Illumina MiSeq, V3–V4 region, Q30 greater than 90 per cent) to characterise alpha and beta diversity, taxonomic composition, and dysbiosis over the study period.
Clinical pathology and integrated analysis. Haematology and clinical chemistry assessments at matched timepoints are correlated with systemic exposure and microbiome findings, providing an integrated view of exposure, dysbiosis, and clinical outcomes.
A single, in-house scientific workflow
Each element of this design, from interventional procedure through bioanalysis, sequencing, and integrated data interpretation, is delivered within Palamur's in-house capability, supported by experienced surgeons, scientists, and a dedicated veterinary team.
For sponsors developing therapies where a localised interventional route, systemic exposure, and microbiome or clinical pathology endpoints all need to be assessed together, this design offers a genuinely translational platform for preclinical decision-making.
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