The gut microbiome plays a significant role in human health and disease. Indeed, this intricate network of microbes
can alter the pharmacokinetics of drugs and generate metabolites that possess therapeutic potential.
However, given the complexities of the microbiome, investigators aiming to contribute to
this transformative space often lack easy access to the foundational products and study capabilities required to
conduct microbiome-based studies. Most critical are the combination of germ-free animals, unique scientific
expertise, and supporting gnotobiotic infrastructure.
The Taconic-Biomodels Microbiome Initiative (TBMI) is a unique collaboration of two service providers supporting
gut microbiome research. Taconic Biosciences and Biomodels,
LLC have come together to eliminate these barriers and enable investigators to bring to life their ideas
and research into the impact of the microbiome on human health. Click here to download the TBMI flyer.
Seamless Access, Comprehensive Solutions
Together, Taconic and Biomodels provide researchers with seamless access to complete germ-free microbiome study
solutions, from design to data. We've removed the logistical hurdles that once limited microbiome research by
combining access to relevant animal models, germ-free animal production, and downstream in vivo research design,
execution, and analytics.
This unique initiative turns microbiome study ideas into actionable plans without researchers having to invest in
their own germ-free/gnotobiotic vivarium. Our solutions empower investigators to:
Explore the complex relationship between the microbiome and disease etiology and progression
Characterize the impact of the microbiome on drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, efficacy, and
toxicity
Evaluate potential microbiome-based therapeutics in validated in vivo disease model paradigms
Key Features
Combining the Products and Capabilities to Drive Microbiome Research Forward
Foundational Expertise
The TBMI facilitates microbiome research by combining two foundational elements: reliable and
customizable germ-free animal production with downstream gnotobiotic and microbiome-specific study
capabilities.
Taconic is a pioneer in preclinical gnotobiotic rodent models and has generated germ-free mice and
rats commercially since 1961
Biomodels' state-of-the-art gnotobiotic capabilities and laboratories combined with expertise in
immunology, microbiology, and systems biology enable thoughtful design and execution of
microbiome-related studies
We can establish germ-free production colonies of practically any mouse model, including proprietary
models, and support any study related to microbiome research and therapeutic development with
precise execution
Seamless Access
We make it easier for you to execute your novel study ideas and participate in transformative
microbiome research. The TBMI bridges the gap from animal models to study-ready capabilities,
eliminating access as a barrier to engaging in microbiome research.
We combine germ-free animal production capabilities (including germ-free rederivation), advanced
study facilities, and powerful analytics—enabling you to bring new microbiome study ideas to
fruition
Our start-to-finish approach takes your concept from animal model acquisition to study execution to
data that drives informed decisions
Expertise in germ-free and gnotobiotic animal housing and handling—combined with aerobic and
anaerobic microbiology capabilities—provides researchers with the utmost confidence in their
studies
Consultative Collaboration
Taconic and Biomodels collaborate to consult with the customer on study objectives, develop a
custom and detailed experimental plan, and deliver a study outcome complete with data, analysis, and
interpretation. This empowers investigators to focus on creating and realizing their research vision
without having to find and manage their service providers.
Your research journey starts with study-ready germ-free animals, be these off-the-shelf standard
strains or a GEM of your choosing, progresses through proven microbiome research capabilities, and
concludes with data-driven results
You have the freedom to oversee the study concept while a highly experienced scientific team turns
your microbiome research vision into reality
Our scientific teams become your partner, leveraging our scientific expertise and our focus on
planning to ensure project success
Historically, microbiome research has been hampered by requirements for unique expertise, facilities, and animals. The costs and logistics involved have proven significant barriers to entry for investigators who want to explore the microbiome's impact on disease etiology, progression, and treatment, as well as its potential as a therapeutic. Removing those barriers is the most effective way to advance microbiome research, and that is the intent of the Taconic-Biomodels Microbiome Initiative.
Over the past decade, multiple studies have shown a correlation between a patient's microbiota composition and a therapeutic's efficacy. For instance, three landmark studies published in 2018 demonstrated that the microbiome can modulate the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors used in immuno-oncology, such as anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 drugs, with significant variance between responders and non-responders1-3. More recent studies in Nature and Science have corroborated these findings. Additionally, published reviews have noted that the microbial biotransformation of drugs can inactivate therapeutics or lead to the accumulation of toxic metabolites4.
Given the documented impact of the microbiome on drug efficacy, bioavailability, and toxicity, failure to account for the potential influence of the gut microbiome may affect the reproducibility and predictability of preclinical studies. Just as proper controls and monitoring are needed to ensure the genetic integrity and health status of laboratory mice and rats, specialized analysis and husbandry methods are required to ensure that preclinical animals maintain their microbiome composition over time. Studies that require animal models with specific microbiota also require that the animals' microbial profiles are consistent when comparing experimental replicates. Contracting with a provider that can leverage a depth of experience producing gnotobiotic rodent models ensures that the necessary measures will be employed to control the microbiome of your preclinical research colony to minimize confounding factors.
A seamless approach to microbiome study support, which the Taconic-Biomodels Microbiome Initiative provides, takes the researcher from initial concept through selection and acquisition of the most relevant model, thoughtful design and precise exception of the study, and data-driven results. This approach combines the foundational elements that microbiome studies require, including relevant animal models, germ-free animal production, and downstream in vivo research design, execution, and analytics.
References:
Routy, B. et al. Gut microbiome influences efficacy of PD-1-based immunotherapy against epithelial tumors. Science (80). (2018). doi:10.1126/science.aan3706
Gopalakrishnan, V. et al. Gut microbiome modulates response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in melanoma patients. Science (80). (2018). doi:10.1126/science.aan4236
Matson, V. et al. The commensal microbiome is associated with anti-PD-1 efficacy in metastatic melanoma patients. Science (80). (2018). doi:10.1126/science.aao3290
Enright, F. et al. The impact of the gut microbiota on drug metabolism and clinical outcome. Yale J. Biol. Med. (2016).
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