In Vivo Model Development for Multiple Myeloma

Protheragen offers a comprehensive in vivo animal model development service for Multiple Myeloma (MM), providing researchers and pharmaceutical partners with scientifically robust platforms to evaluate novel therapeutics and uncover disease mechanisms. Our service portfolio encompasses a wide range of validated animal models, tailored to mimic the complexity of human MM, and is designed to accelerate preclinical drug discovery and translational research.

Multiple Myeloma is a hematological malignancy characterized by the proliferation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The development and utilization of relevant animal models are critical for understanding MM pathogenesis, assessing drug efficacy, and evaluating resistance mechanisms. At Protheragen, we employ a diverse array of species—including Mus musculus (mouse), Danio rerio (zebrafish), Gallus gallus (chicken), Rattus norvegicus (rat), and Oryctolagus cuniculus (rabbit)—across various genetic backgrounds and immunodeficient strains (such as NSG, NOD, SCID, and Balb/c). These models are carefully selected and engineered to recapitulate key features of human disease, such as bone marrow microenvironment interactions, genetic mutations, drug resistance, and immune system involvement, ensuring translational relevance and predictive value for human clinical outcomes.

Xenograft and Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) Models

Xenograft models are established by implanting human MM cell lines or patient-derived tumor cells into immunodeficient animals (e.g., NSG, NOD, SCID mice, zebrafish, or chicken embryos). PDX models, in particular, use primary MM cells from patients to more closely reflect tumor heterogeneity and clinical drug responses. These models are invaluable for evaluating the efficacy of novel therapies, understanding drug resistance (e.g., bortezomib- or lenalidomide-resistant MM), and studying tumor-microenvironment interactions. Key advantages include high translational relevance, the ability to test human-specific therapies, and the recapitulation of clinical phenotypes. Applications include efficacy testing, biomarker discovery, and mechanistic studies.

Syngeneic and Allograft Models

Syngeneic models involve the transplantation of murine MM cells (such as 5T33, 5TGM1, Vk12598) into immunocompetent or genetically modified mice of the same genetic background, while allograft models use genetically matched but not identical donors. These models preserve an intact immune system, allowing for the investigation of tumor-immune interactions, immunotherapy efficacy, and host responses. They are also suitable for genetic manipulation (e.g., knockout or transgenic strains) to study gene function in MM development and progression. Main advantages are immune competence, reproducibility, and the ability to model immune-mediated therapeutic mechanisms. Applications include immuno-oncology, gene function studies, and evaluation of immune-targeting agents.

Genetically Engineered and Transgenic Models

Genetic models are created by introducing specific mutations, gene knockouts, or transgenes (such as MYC, BCL2L1, CRBN) associated with MM pathogenesis into mice. Conditional knockouts (e.g., Runx2, Ezh2) and knock-in models (e.g., MCL1) allow for tissue- or cell type-specific modulation of gene expression. These models spontaneously develop MM or related plasma cell neoplasms, providing insight into disease initiation, progression, and the role of specific genes. Advantages include faithful recapitulation of genetic drivers, ability to study disease in the context of an intact immune system, and suitability for longitudinal studies. Applications span mechanistic research, target validation, and preclinical testing of gene-targeted therapies.

Chemically- and Biologically-Induced Models

These models are generated by exposing animals to chemical agents (e.g., TCDD, busulfan, hydroxyurea) or biological agents (e.g., collagen, lipopolysaccharide) to induce MM-like disease or modulate the tumor microenvironment. Such approaches may be used to study carcinogenesis, immune modulation, or to facilitate engraftment of human cells. The main advantages are the ability to induce disease in a controlled manner and to study environmental or inflammatory contributions to MM. Applications include carcinogenesis research, microenvironment studies, and combination therapy evaluation.

Orthotopic and Humanized Models

Orthotopic models involve the implantation of MM cells directly into the bone marrow or relevant tissue, closely mimicking the human disease microenvironment and metastatic patterns. Humanized models are established by engrafting human hematopoietic stem cells and/or immune cells into immunodeficient mice, enabling the study of human immune-tumor interactions and the testing of immunotherapies in a human-like context. These models provide high physiological relevance, allow for evaluation of bone disease and metastasis, and support the development of next-generation immunotherapeutics. Applications include immunotherapy assessment, metastasis studies, and investigation of bone marrow niche interactions.

Protheragen delivers an end-to-end solution for in vivo Multiple Myeloma model development and preclinical evaluation. Our services encompass model selection and customization, cell line or patient sample procurement, engraftment and monitoring, compound administration, and comprehensive data analysis. Key efficacy endpoints include tumor burden (bioluminescence/fluorescence imaging, tumor volume, paraprotein levels), survival analysis, bone lesion assessment (micro-CT, histology), immune profiling (flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry), and molecular biomarker quantification (qPCR, ELISA, Western blot). Our analytical capabilities extend to pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and mechanistic studies. Rigorous quality control measures—such as authentication of cell lines, genetic validation, health monitoring, and standardized protocols—ensure reproducibility and data integrity throughout the study lifecycle.

By partnering with Protheragen, clients gain access to a broad spectrum of validated MM animal models, expert scientific guidance, and a fully integrated preclinical platform. Our commitment to scientific rigor, customization, and transparent communication ensures that your research objectives are met efficiently and effectively. Let Protheragen accelerate your Multiple Myeloma drug discovery and translational research—contact us today to discuss your project needs and explore tailored solutions.