In a recent article published in Lab Animal, Taconic Biosciences' Dr. Megan MacBride comments on the current landscape of commercially-available NASH mouse models. One challenge for developing a model that accurately represents the condition is in the replication of both genetic and environmental effects. While the DIO mouse will not usually exhibit the severe symptoms associated with NASH, multiple model generation companies are working to develop and validate models that can reliably develop NASH symptoms:
"The FATZO mouse has a new home, and a new name. Originally developed by researchers with preclinical model provider Crown Bioscience, the FATZO strain will now be known as MS-NASH. The change is in conjunction with a new distribution agreement with The Jackson Laboratory, the non-profit rodent model developer and distributor based in Bar Harbor, Maine. The agreement was announced in March 2019, and the Jackson Laboratory has spent the past year establishing a MS-NASH colony at its Sacramento, California breeding facility. They are planning a validation project as well."
Read more at: Nature
"The FATZO mouse has a new home, and a new name. Originally developed by researchers with preclinical model provider Crown Bioscience, the FATZO strain will now be known as MS-NASH. The change is in conjunction with a new distribution agreement with The Jackson Laboratory, the non-profit rodent model developer and distributor based in Bar Harbor, Maine. The agreement was announced in March 2019, and the Jackson Laboratory has spent the past year establishing a MS-NASH colony at its Sacramento, California breeding facility. They are planning a validation project as well."