About Ace Therapeutics

Leading Provider of Obesity Contract Research Services

At Ace Therapeutics, we specialize in preclinical contract research services focused on obesity and metabolic disorders. With a decade of experience in translational pharmacology, we empower biotech and pharmaceutical innovators to evaluate anti-obesity drug candidates through rigorously validated models and cutting-edge technologies.

Our end-to-end solutions include efficacy profiling, mechanistic studies, biomarker analysis, and advanced imaging, all designed to meet global regulatory standards.

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What is Obesity?

Obesity is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by excessive adipose tissue accumulation, defined by a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² (WHO criteria). It increases risks for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Recent breakthroughs include GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., semaglutide), dual GLP-1/GIP agonists, and CNS-targeted appetite modulators. Over 80 novel targets (e.g., MC4R, AMPK) are under investigation, highlighting the need for predictive preclinical models to evaluate efficacy and safety.

Preclinical Models for Obesity Research

We offer validated, disease-relevant models to replicate human pathophysiology

DIO Mouse Model ob/ob Mouse Model Humanized GLP-1R Mouse ZFR Model DIO Rat Model MC4R Knockout Mouse

Diet-Induced Obesity (DIO) Mouse Model

  • High-fat diet (60% kcal from fat) over 12–16 weeks to mimic human metabolic syndrome.
  • Efficacy testing of GLP-1 agonists, dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists.
  • Long-term safety profiling of weight-loss therapies.
  • Combinatorial drug studies (e.g., anti-obesity + anti-diabetic agents).
  • Ready-to-use cohorts with pre-established metabolic baselines.
  • Compatible with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and telemetry.
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ob/ob Mouse Model (Leptin-Deficient Obesity)

  • Homozygous leptin gene mutation.
  • Mechanistic studies of leptin-independent appetite regulation.
  • Evaluation of insulin-sensitizing compounds.
  • Biomarker discovery for satiety signaling.
  • Rapid obesity development (4–6 weeks post-weaning).
  • Ideal for monotherapy screening in genetic obesity subtypes.
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Humanized GLP-1R Mouse Model

  • CRISPR-Cas9-mediated replacement of murine GLP-1R with human GLP-1R (hGLP-1R).
  • Species-specific pharmacodynamic profiling.
  • Target engagement studies for peptide therapeutics.
  • Identification of CNS-mediated vs. peripheral effects.
  • Eliminates cross-species reactivity discrepancies.
  • Validated with FDA-approved benchmarks (e.g., 15% body weight reduction at clinical equivalent doses).
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Zucker Fatty Rat (ZFR) Model

  • Homozygous missense mutation in leptin receptor.
  • Cardiovascular risk assessment (atherosclerosis, hypertension).
  • NASH/NAFLD comorbid obesity research.
  • Chronic toxicity studies (6-month duration support).
  • Larger body size enables repeated blood/tissue sampling.
  • Compatible with surgically implanted catheters for PK/PD modeling.
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DIO Rat Model (Diet-Induced Metabolic Dysfunction)

  • Customizable high-fat/high-sucrose diets (45–60% kcal fat) over 10–14 weeks.
  • Multiorgan metabolic syndrome modeling.
  • Renal/cardiovascular safety pharmacology.
  • Macronutrient partitioning studies.
  • Flexible diet customization (e.g., trans-fat, fructose supplementation).
  • Supports longitudinal MRI/MRS imaging for fat distribution analysis.
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MC4R Knockout Mouse (Monogenic Obesity Model)

  • Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) knockout.
  • Target validation for MC4R agonist/antagonist candidates.
  • Neuroendocrine pathway modulation studies.
  • Pediatric obesity research (early-onset phenotype).
  • CRISPR-validated null allele with 100% penetrance.
  • Compatible with optogenetics and DREADD-based circuitry mapping.
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*Note: Ace Therapeutics does not commercialize live animals or ship models externally; studies are conducted exclusively in-house under BSL-2 protocols.

Can't Find Your Model? We Offer Tailored Solutions!

Our experts excel in developing bespoke strategies to tackle your unique research objectives.
Partner with us to craft the perfect methodology for your specific needs.

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Anti-Obesity Compound Mechanism of Action Studies

At Ace Therapeutics, we employ a multi-dimensional approach to unravel the pharmacological and physiological mechanisms driving your anti-obesity drug candidate’s efficacy. Our services are designed to dissect both central (CNS) and peripheral pathways, providing actionable insights for target validation and translational optimization.

Real-Time Feeding Behavior Analysis

Technology

  • Automated Metabolic Cage Systems
  • AI-Driven Behavioral Classification

Key Services

  • Acute Appetite Suppression Profiling
  • Chronic Feeding Adaptation Studies
  • Macronutrient Preference Testing

Energy Expenditure & Thermogenesis Profiling

Technology

  • Indirect Calorimetry
  • Thermoneutrality Studies

Key Services

  • Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) Quantification
  • Diet-Induced Thermogenesis (DIT)
  • Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) Activation

Neurocircuitry Mapping & CNS Engagement

Technology

  • c-Fos Immunohistochemistry
  • Fiber Photometry

Key Services

  • Central vs. Peripheral Mechanism Discrimination
  • Neuropeptide Receptor Occupancy
  • Whole-Brain c-Fos 3D Mapping

Gastrointestinal Motility & Nutrient Absorption

Technology

  • Fluorescent Gastric Emptying Assay
  • In Vivo Permeability Testing

Key Services

  • Gastric Emptying Kinetics
  • Bile Acid Recycling Analysis
  • Microbiome-Mediated Mechanism Screening

Safety-Focused Mechanistic Assessments

Technology

  • Taste Aversion Conditioning
  • Conditioned Place Avoidance

Key Services

  • Nausea/Emetic Liability Prediction
  • Metabolic Adaptation Profiling
  • Stress Axis Activation

Obesity Biomarker Analysis for Mechanistic Insights

Quantify metabolic responses with our multi-platform biomarker profiling:

Platform Biomarkers Species (Sample Type)
ELISA Pancreatic Activity (Insulin, Glucagon, Amylase, Lipase) Mouse/Rat (plasma, serum)
Adipokines (Leptin, Adiponectin, Resistin)
Sexual Hormones (Testosterone, Estradiol)

LC-MS/MS

Gut Hormones (Total GLP-1, Active PYY, Acyl Ghrelin, Nesfatin-1) Rat (plasma, intestinal tissue)
Bile Acids (TCA, DCA, LCA)
Stress Hormones (Cortisol)

Multiplex Immunoassay

Inflammatory Cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-1β) Mouse (serum, adipose tissue)
Acute-Phase Proteins (CRP, SAA)
Immune Mediators (IFN-γ, IL-10)
Biochemical Assays Lipid Metabolism (HDL, LDL, Triglycerides, NEFA) Rat (plasma, liver homogenate)
Glycemic Control (HbA1c, Fasting Glucose)
Liver Function (ASAT, ALAT, Bilirubin)
RNA Sequencing Adipogenesis (PPARγ, SREBP1, FABP4) Mouse (BAT, liver, skeletal muscle)
Thermogenesis (UCP1, PGC1α)
Glucose Uptake (GLUT4, IRS1)
Histology (IHC/IF) Adipose Morphology (Adipocyte Size, Lipid Droplet Distribution) Rat/Mouse (adipose, liver, pancreas)
Protein Localization (PPARγ, UCP1, Leptin Receptor)
Inflammation Markers (F4/80, CD68)
Proximity Extension Assay Neuroendocrine Factors (NPY, AgRP, α-MSH) Mouse (hypothalamic tissue, CSF)
Growth Factors (BDNF, IGF-1)
Receptor Analysis (Ghrelin Receptor, MC4R)
16S rRNA Sequencing Gut Microbiota (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Akkermansia muciniphila, Lactobacillus spp.) Rat/Mouse (feces, colon mucosa)
Pathobionts (Enterobacteriaceae, Desulfovibrionaceae)
Oxidative Stress Panel Lipid Peroxidation (Malondialdehyde, 4-HNE) Mouse (plasma, liver homogenate)
DNA Damage (8-OHdG)
Antioxidants (SOD, GPx, Catalase)
Radioimmunoassay (RIA) Pituitary Hormones (ACTH, TSH) Rat (plasma, pituitary gland)
Metabolic Regulators (C-Peptide, Free Fatty Acid Receptors)

Comprehensive Obesity Drug Development Solutions

From Target Validation to Preclinical Success - Precision-Driven Innovation for Metabolic Therapies

Phenotypic Profiling & Screening In Vivo Pharmacology Safety Pharmacology Drug-Type Specific Development Services Product Solutions & Screening Tools

Phenotypic Profiling & Screening

  • High-throughput screening and mechanistic deconvolution using disease-relevant models.
  • Candidate prioritization (small molecules/biologics)
  • Lead optimization (physiologically predictive disease models)
  • Combination therapy synergy testing (pre-in vivo evaluation)
  • Mechanism of action (MoA) identification (systems biology and off-target profiling)

In Vivo Pharmacology

  • Translational validation of metabolic and behavioral efficacy in rodent models.
  • Diet-induced obesity (DIO) models (mice/rats)
  • Genetic obesity models (e.g., db/db, ob/ob, fa/fa rodents)
  • Food intake suppression and glucose metabolism assessment (OGTT, conditioned taste aversion)
  • Multi-target receptor modulator efficacy studies (e.g., GLP-1R/GIPR co-administration)

Safety Pharmacology

  • Early identification of preclinical toxicity risks.
  • Off-target effect screening (unbiased in vitro panels)
  • Organ-specific toxicity profiling (cardiovascular, hepatic, renal)
  • Adverse event prediction (proprietary toxicity signature databases)

Drug-Type Specific Development Services

Tailored support for diverse therapeutic modalities targeting obesity and metabolic disorders.

Peptide/Protein Therapeutics

  • Functional bioassays (cAMP signaling, β-arrestin recruitment, receptor internalization)
  • Potency testing and stability profiling (ICH-compliant methods)
  • Formulation optimization for enhanced bioavailability

Small Molecules

  • High-throughput target selectivity screening (GPCRs, enzymes, transporters)
  • ADME/PK profiling (microsomal stability, CYP450 inhibition, plasma protein binding)
  • Lead optimization for metabolic stability and CNS penetration

Biosimilars & Biobetters

  • Bioactivity comparability studies (vs. reference products)
  • Immunogenicity risk assessment (T-cell epitope mapping, ADA screening)
  • Structural and functional characterization (LC-MS, SPR, cell-based potency assays)

Multi-Target Agents

  • Synergistic efficacy validation (pathway crosstalk and polypharmacology analysis)
  • Biased signaling quantification (GPCR pathway-specific bias profiling)
  • Pharmacodynamic biomarker development for combination therapies

Cell & Gene Therapies

  • CRISPR-based gene modulation for metabolic targets (e.g., leptin, FGF21)
  • AAV/lentiviral vector design for in vivo gene therapy delivery
  • RNA therapeutics (siRNA, ASO) targeting obesity-associated pathways
  • Stem cell differentiation protocols for adipose tissue modulation
  • Engineered immune cell therapies (e.g., macrophage polarization for metabolic inflammation)
  • Ex vivo gene-edited cell therapies (e.g., autologous adipocyte reprogramming)

Product Solutions & Screening Tools

  • Standardized platforms for accelerated drug discovery.
  • Ready-to-use assay kits (GPCR signaling, metabolic flux analysis)
  • Engineered cell lines and membrane preparations (target-specific screening)
  • Custom biomarker panels (metabolic, inflammatory, fibrotic pathways)

Why Choose Ace Therapeutics?

Deep Expertise in Obesity Research

  • Extensive experience in preclinical metabolic disease studies
  • Specialized knowledge in obesity mechanisms, drug efficacy profiling, and translational validation.
  • Multidisciplinary approach integrates pharmacology, neurobiology, and molecular metabolism.

Advanced Obesity-Socused Platforms

  • Real-time feeding/activity monitoring, indirect calorimetry, and circadian rhythm analysis.
  • Whole-brain 3D imaging, neuropeptide receptor mapping, and gut-microbiome crosstalk assays.
  • Multi-omics integration (transcriptomics, lipidomics) to bridge rodent data to human biology.

Customized Research Solutions

  • Model Optimization: Select from diet-induced, genetic, or humanized models that align with your target pathway.
  • Flexible Endpoints: Combine standard efficacy metrics (e.g., body weight, glucose) with niche analyses like BAT activation or taste aversion.
  • Adaptive Workflows: Mid-study adjustments to address emerging hypotheses without compromising timelines.

Efficiency Without Compromise

  • Accelerated Development: Streamlined workflows prioritize rapid, high-quality data generation to keep your program on track.
  • Cost Transparency: Modular pricing models eliminate unnecessary assays, focusing resources on critical endpoints.
  • Reliable Partnerships: Dedicated project managers ensure seamless communication and alignment with your goals.

FAQs About Our Preclinical Obesity Research Services

How do you select the most appropriate obesity model for my compound?

We prioritize your target mechanism (e.g., CNS appetite regulation vs. peripheral lipid metabolism) and align it with model strengths. For example, DIO mice simulate diet-driven metabolic syndrome, while ob/ob mice target leptin-deficient pathways.

Can you handle studies requiring specialized diets or co-morbid conditions?

Yes. We offer customized diets (high-fat, high-fructose) and induce comorbidities like NAFLD or hypertension through diet-drug combinations.

What measures ensure data confidentiality during collaboration?

All projects operate under NDAs with encrypted data storage, restricted lab access, and anonymized sample labeling.

How flexible is your platform for adding custom endpoints mid-study?

We accommodate add-on assays (e.g., additional biomarkers) if scientifically justified, subject to ethical review and resource availability.

Can you support target validation for novel obesity-related receptors?

Absolutely. We utilize CRISPR-engineered models, receptor occupancy assays, and RNAi knockdown to validate emerging targets (e.g., GPR75, FFAR4).

Unlock the Full Potential of Your Anti-Obesity Compound

From Hypothesis to Data – Streamlining Obesity Drug Development

Accelerate your preclinical research with tailored solutions designed for your therapeutic goals. Whether you’re exploring appetite regulation, metabolic reprogramming, or CNS-targeted mechanisms, our team is ready to optimize your study design and deliver actionable insights.

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