Cynbiose SAS, a preclinical CRO, and HawkCell, a young innovative company specialized in MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) for small and large animals, join forces to offer a global R&D and commercial service for preclinical studies focused on the non-human primate model.
A NATURAL COLLABORATION TO ACCELERATE PRECLINICAL RESEARCH WITH THE USE OF MRI
Cynbiose provides exploratory pharmacology and proof of concept studies on the non-human primate model (NHP) in several therapeutic areas such as the central nervous system, oncology, cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, infectious and respiratory diseases. Cynbiose has been relying on non-invasive imaging techniques for several years, particularly in the physiopathological models it has
developed (ischemic stroke, post traumatic osteoarthritis, multiple sclerosis, and post-ischemic heart failure). Indeed, imaging is the most suitable technic to generate translational endpoints and refinement to procedures while respecting animal welfare and the 3R guidelines.
HawkCell provides the scientific community and veterinary clinics with a unique imaging offer in a quality-controlled environment. Thanks to the operability of a 1.5T and 3T MRI systems, the design of customized sensors and IT development capabilities, HawkCell’s teams offer outstanding expertise and high added value services. Imaging protocols can also be conducted for candidates such as gene therapies.
Hugues Contamin, CEO of Cynbiose: “We are thrilled to seal this partnership with HawkCell, a fastgrowing company, which whom we share the same human and entrepreneurial values! This young and dynamic company brings its exceptional know-how and skills to our teams but also to our sponsors by proposing concrete and valuable solutions to accelerate the preclinical research of therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Cynbiose wishes to reinforce the use of imaging techniques which is perfectly in line with the implementation of the 3Rs principles (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement). It is also a great example of a collaborative relationship between two innovative service companies as we promote them within the AFSSI business association.”
LEADING TO A CUTTING EDGE AND UNIQUE OFFER
The partnership between Cynbiose and HawkCell will provide both a collaborative R&D offer with biopharmaceutical companies for the development and characterization of physiopathological models, but also a strengthened service offer for preclinical studies on NHPs on the imaging side. Indeed, access to in vivo MRI makes possible the implementation of specific central administrations, the quantification of CSF or inflammatory parameters for pharmacokinetic studies, the characterization of tissue lesions, or the local quantification of metabolites for pharmacodynamic studies, for example.
Hugo Dorez, CEO of HawkCell: “We are very excited by this one-of-a-kind partnership with Cynbiose ! Our two companies share the same values to bring cutting edge technologies for preclinical research. The combined expertise of HawkCell and Cynbiose will provide our sponsors with a unique service for faster and more precise preclinical studies. MRI is a powerful tool for in vivo quantitative analysis of
multiple characteristics of living tissues such as inflammation, vascular network, MRI-guided surgery… for drug efficacy or medical device biocompatibility tests. As a non-invasive, non-ionizing imaging modality, MRI takes an important part in the 3R principles by reducing the number of subjects included in each study and by changing the way how preclinical phases are carried out.”
About OUR MEMBER HawkCell
HawkCell is a company specialized in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for preclinical research studies, but also for early-stage research such as proof-of-concept studies. Based on a unique technology combining hardware and software developments, HawkCell’s services provide fast, precise, and quantitative analysis for in vivo evaluation of drug candidates and medical devices (MD). The field of work is infinite and range from neurology, cardiology, digestive, musculoskeletal pathologies… to inflammation, oncology, metabolism disorders and up to MD biocompatibility tests. HawkCell handles in vivo image acquisition, post-processing and image quantification in compliance with the quality standards of the pharmaceutical industry, but also in accordance with the 3R 3 principle. HawkCell has its own research laboratory with SLA 3D printers, and electronic devices for any tailored applications requiring specific MRI coils or 3D parts. HawkCell was founded in 2019 by CEO Hugo Dorez (PhD) and is based in Marcy l’Etoile near Lyon.