Taconic Biosciences Launches TruBIOMEtm to Create Animal Models with Custom Microbiome Profiles

RENSSELAER, N.Y., April 15, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Taconic Biosciences, a global leader in providing genetically engineered rodent model solutions, announces the launch of TruBIOME^TM, a first of its kind solution enabling the generation and maintenance of mice with custom microbiome profiles.

TruBIOME^TM was developed to meet the research community's need for a microbiome solution that affords increased predictability, reproducibility, and systems biology insight within mouse model use.  It is the first and only platform that allows researchers to develop models with customized microbiota profiles and then expand to produce study cohorts with similar microbiomes via natural mating, all while monitored with extensive quality controls.

The TruBIOME^TM solution also includes the Taconic Microbiota Repositorytm, a collection of defined microbiome profiles.  The collection currently includes the Wild Mouse gut microbiome licensed from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and Altered Schaedler Flora (ASF).  Having defined microbiomes provides customers with a basis for comparison to better understand the microbiome of their research models.

The attrition rate of potential therapeutics is high on the path to becoming an approved drug, with over 90% of molecules discovered using traditional techniques failing in human clinical trials according to a recent article in Forbes. Scientists constantly pursue ways to improve these odds through the understanding and control of variables.  The microbiome has been identified as a contributor to experimental variability.  Researchers conducting microbiome studies and those pursuing general drug discovery need to better understand the microbiome's impact.  Understanding the microbiome will not only provide insight into potential confounding variables, but also could lead to identifying new drug targets.

"Decades of experience leading the industry in commercial germ-free mouse production, germ-free derivation, and gnotobiotic husbandry services provide Taconic with a strong foundation to enable customers to access the solutions they need to address microbiome research challenges," expresses Nancy Sandy, chief executive officer at Taconic.  "The launch of TruBIOME^TM is exciting because it is gives researchers the ability to learn how microbial variability impacts their animal model experiments."

TruBIOME^TM complements Taconic's existing microbiome platform, which includes germ-free mice, germ-free derivations, and custom microbiota associations. 

To learn more about Taconic's microbiome solutions portfolio, please call 1-888-TACONIC (888-822-6642) in the US, +45 70 23 04 05 in Europe, or email [email protected].

About Taconic Biosciences, Inc.
Taconic Biosciences is a fully-licensed, global leader in genetically engineered rodent models and services. Founded in 1952, Taconic provides the best animal solutions so that customers can acquire, custom generate, breed, precondition, test, and distribute valuable research models worldwide. Specialists in genetically engineered mouse and rat models, precision research mouse models, and integrated model design and breeding services, Taconic operates three service laboratories and six breeding facilities in the U.S. and Europe, maintains distributor relationships in Asia and has global shipping capabilities to provide animal models almost anywhere in the world.

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