Development and testing of a novel precision tumour measurement device intended for pre-clinical research sector to reduce the consumption of animal models

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Currently, pre-clinical trials for anticancer drugs rely on measurement of grafted tumours before, during, and after the experimental treatment to ascertain whether the anticancer drug can reduce tumour volume or eliminate it altogether. The measurement of tumour dimensions (length and width) is periodically carried out manually by a technician using vernier callipers. These tumours are typically very complex shapes and the measurement process is open to a large degree of dimensional interpretation and skill. These measurements are then translated in to volume estimates which adds to the method complexity and error. The entire process is cumbersome, time consuming and highly prone to inaccuracies and errors. Due to this known accuracy issue, research organisations compensate for this issue by using more animals in pre-clinical research which is contrary to initiatives to reduce the use of animals in research.Verinnogen has developed a unique 3D surface profiling technology based on the concept of "pin impression" products. The Verinnogen device directly measures and calculates tumour volume with a much higher accuracy than currently possible with callipers. This is in the form of a hand-held, opto-electronic device, that will capture height and shape information of the tumour to a high degree of accuracy in a fraction of the time with an automated process for calculating and recording the volume measurements. By providing a quick, accurate and easy-to-use replacement for callipers, Verinnogen will help expedite translational cancer research, as well as drive reduction in the number of animals used in research.Investment is being sought to enable the team to do research and develop the first functional prototype of this hand-held unit that can be evaluated by real users in research laboratories. This will enable Verinnogen to obtain vital "real" data taken from live animals in existing research studies. This real-world evidence demonstrates accuracy, speed, and utility in pre-clinical trials for anti-cancer therapies which will be vital for future investors and customers alike.