103606ProgenySys - Reducing numbers in laboratory animal models through improved artificial reproduction ratesClosedCollaborative R&DISCFThe 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. In the UK alone, 1.8 million mice were used in breeding programmes for production of transgenic mice in 2012 Scientists are required to comply with the principle of the “Three Rs” (Replacement Reduction and Refinement) to minimize the number of animals used in experimentation and to reduce pain and suffering. Ostara received an IUK Development of Prototype grant to develop a 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. A successful Experimental Development project will enable Ostara to complete development and introduce the product to market. If successful it will reduce the numbers of mice used in experimentation by 75-80% and save UK research establishments around £84M per year