InVivo Biosystem debuts custom animal testing platform for healthy aging investigations

16 Jun 2021 --- InVivo Biosystem is addressing the growing anti-aging market with the launch of InVivo Longevity Platform, which analyzes the effects of compounds on lifespan, healthspan and transcriptional changes related to aging.

The US-based company, which specializes in genetic small animal model creation and in vivo testing, has already worked with hundreds of clients in recent months testing the platform using a simple non-vertebrate model.

“The new platform helps companies prioritize development pipelines by giving them actionable, quantitative information about how candidate formulations combat aging and age-related conditions,” says Matt Beaudet, InVivo Biosystems’ CEO. 

The platform ensures accuracy, reproducibility and robust conclusions by combining continuous automated data collection of lifespan metrics and genetic analysis. On average, a project can be completed in less than five months, from ideation to final report.

Enabling rapid decision making
InVivo Biosystem uses CRISPR genome editing to create custom genome-edited zebrafish and C. elegans that enable therapeutic research on genetic models of aging, developmental, and neurodegenerative disease, uncovering potential cures.

The company says its in vivo testing platforms and technologies provide faster, cost-effective investigations that focus on proof-of-principle experiments for rapid “go/no go” decision making.

Specifically, the InVivo Longevity Platform includes: 

• Lifespan and healthspan analysis: Produces lifespan and healthspan measurements by automatically monitoring survival, morphology and movement in simple animal models.
• Pathway analysis: Identifies the pathways that contribute to the observed lifespan extension using or whole transcriptome sequencing, providing targeted insights including patentable information about the mechanism of action.
• Compound assessment: Determines a compound’s ability to extend lifespan and healthspan.

All services also include access to the company’s PhD level subject matter experts and comprehensive, detailed reports. 

The platform provides scientific evidence to back up products’ marketing claims with a rapid timeline. In-demand scientific backing
According to the company, one of the service’s key advantages is the ability to provide scientific evidence to back up products’ marketing and intellectual property claims with a rapid timeline.

“Using the best non-vertebrate model for longevity and healthspan studies, InVivo Longevity Platform specializes in giving clients a full picture of how each compound or test article impacts several key pieces of the aging puzzle,” explains Beaudet.  

For example, 4Life Research uses the service to gain the data needed to proceed with product development within its timeline and budget. 

“We trust the data and findings provided by InVivo Biosystems, which are shared with our customers and distributors,” says Dr. David Vollmer, chief scientific officer at 4Life Research.

Notably, today’s consumers in sectors from collagen to women’s health are hungry for scientific backing as information is more readily available than ever before. 

According to a 2020 Innova Consumer Survey, four out of five respondents said they believe in progress in food and beverages through science.

Healthy aging sector booms
InVivo Biosystems is positioned as addressing the product validation needs of the age-tech and longevity industry. This has expanded into a “massive” marketplace, with the company saying the nutraceutical product market is projected to grow from US$267.4 billion in 2019 to US$404.8 billion by 2025.

Within the healthy aging sector, products that address immunity, cognitive function, heart health, vitality and strength are all trending. 

Recent launches in this space include Revelox’s marine collagen and UltraSpec Laboratory’s nicotinamide mononucleotide-based capsules to support cellular energy optimization. 

Last week, Pāmu revealed that its deer milk would be investigated for improving the general nutrition of senior populations.

By Katherine Durrell