Specialized Scientific Research and Veterinary Services

The refinement and proliferation of data, especially large research databases, has significantly improved the reliability and validity of predicting biological functions and experimental outcomes and impacts through bioinformatics. These advancements in bioinformatics also have contributed heavily to the development of targeted biodefense medical countermeasures and threat detection capabilities.

CAMRIS' scientists use bioinformatics and systems biology approaches to computationally analyze and model complex processes from vast biological datasets. These computationally-driven approaches enable our scientists to integrate a range of experimental information, including high-throughput genomic and proteomic assays, enzyme kinetics, inhibition constants, and pharmacokinetic data, to model complex, non-linear interactions across the biological components and systems that are associated with the spread and pathogenesis of infectious diseases. These robust models can be leveraged to generate hypotheses and predict and identify potential biochemical targets for new drugs and therapeutics, facilitating drug synthesis, evaluation, and validation using in vitro and in vivo experimentation.

Disease processes involve interactions between multiple physiological systems and organs that cannot always be adequately replicated using cell and tissue models. This limitation necessitates a move to animal models, which serve as a bridge between laboratory innovation and human research. Our Life Scientists have a wealth of expertise in veterinary sciences and in conducting this important research in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Our experts can assist with the selection and development of appropriate animal models able to replicate pathogenesis and the physiological response to disease states in humans. Our research staff also can provide procedural support, including husbandry and animal care in high-containment, ABSL-2, -3, and -4 environments designed to contain potentially harmful agents. This critical research is perhaps the most important step in validating the safety, efficacy, and pharmacodynamics of prospective therapeutics, and understanding their physiological impact at the cell, tissue, and organ level, before transitioning to human clinical studies.

Translational research requires robust pre-clinical testing to elucidate the validity, reliability, and feasibility of basic science hypotheses and candidate therapeutics. Our research staff provide specialized laboratory services support for pre-clinical development and testing to understand and measure the physiological and biochemical interactions between host, pathogen, and therapeutic agents using advanced medical diagnostic tools. These tools include medical imaging techniques, such as CT, MRI, radiography, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, as well as physiological monitoring instruments that measure electrophysiology, pulmonary and cardiovascular function, and hemodynamics, to assess organ function and physiological systems that may be impacted by infection or disease. To measure diverse biochemical interactions at the cellular and molecular level, our research staff also employ advanced laboratory diagnostic tools, including immunoassays, flow cytometry, complete blood counts, and comprehensive metabolic panels, to understand the immune and physiological processes associated with infections and inflammation and how these processes respond to potential therapeutic agents. Our staff ensure all critical pre-clinical testing is complete prior to moving to human trials.