Telemetry

Telemetry in conscious, freely moving animals is the gold-standard method for assessing effects on physiological parameters in preclinical safety pharmacology studies. Rodent telemetry studies are used during the early stages of drug development before a drug candidate is selected. Compound requirement is low due to their small size, and doses can be administered using standard routes. The studies provide valuable information on the safety risks that may be associated with the molecule or the drug target, informing early decision-making for your project team.

Multiple physiological signals are recorded during normal animal activities without the influence of restraint or anaesthesia. Data are recorded continuously, usually for up to 24h following dosing, although recordings for weeks and months are possible to monitor delayed onset effects or recovery of effects.  

Using appropriate study designs and data summarising techniques, rodent telemetry studies have the sensitivity to detect subtle but clinically relevant changes in physiological parameters.  

Studies are performed using multi-level social housing, a best practice highlighted by the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research. Rodents may also be re-used for multiple projects reducing overall animal usage.