720416“Red-NLAM” - reducing numbers in laboratory animal models (through improved artificial reproduction rates)ClosedGRD Development of PrototypeInnovate UKIn the UK alone, 1.8 million mice were used in breeding programmes for production of transgenic mice in 2012, according to Home office figures (about 48% of all animal used in research). The creation of genetically modified animals, primarily mice and rats, has revolutionised our understanding of disease processes in animal models. Transgenic biotechnologies utilise large numbers of animals: females and males to generate embryos for genetic manipulation, females to provide a host uterus to support the development of embryos, and infertile males to induce ‘pseudopregnancy’ in recipient females. Pseudopregnancy is necessary for the uterus to become receptive to transplanted embryos and is achieved by mating foster females with a vasectomised (infertile) male, whose seminal fluid contains an active array of proteins and other factors. Whilst we can’t replace females for superovulation and pregnancy, we have demonstrated in a previous Proof of Concept study that vasectomised males can be replaced altogether. The objective of this project is the development of a prototype vaginal pessary system that supersedes the use of vasectomised males in the induction of pseudopregnancy and enhances transgenic embryo implantation rates in the host mothers. These novel pessaries contain substances that have been identified in mouse seminal fluid that mimic the beneficial effects of semen without the need for vasectomised males or the large numbers of female mice needed to produce enough pseudopregnant mice.