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Ace Therapeutics: Advancing Analgesic Discovery Through Specialized Preclinical Services

Ace Therapeutics is a preclinical contract research organization dedicated to supporting pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the development of analgesic compounds. With a focus on scientific rigor, biological relevance, and regulatory-aligned methodologies, our team offers integrated in vitro and in vitro platforms tailored to the complexities of pain research. Our services span early target discovery to translational preclinical studies, with a particular emphasis on physiological pain mechanisms, efficacy assessments, and compound safety profiling.

At Ace Therapeutics, we prioritize scientific rigor, flexibility, and client collaboration, offering end-to-end support from target validation through candidate selection. While preclinical research inherently carries uncertainties, our systematic approach aims to de-risk development and inform critical decision-making.

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Custom In Vivo Models

Ace Therapeutics offers a portfolio of validated animal models covering the major categories of pain. Our studies are designed to evaluate analgesic efficacy, mechanism, and duration of action using quantitative behavioral and biomarker endpoints.

Migraine Models

Optional Model Construction Methods:

  • Electrical stimulation of trigeminal ganglion
  • Electrical stimulation of closed cranial window (CCW)
  • Capsaicin induction
  • Nitroglycerin (NTG) induction
Neuropathic Pain Models

Optional Model Construction Methods:

  • spinal nerve ligation (SNL), Chung model
  • Chronic constriction injury (CCI)
  • Spared nerve injury (SNI)
  • Diabetic neuropathic pain
  • Varicella-zoster virus
Cancer Pain Models

Optional Model Construction Methods:

  • Cancer invasion pain model (CIP)
  • Bone cancer pain models
Inflammatory Pain Models

Optional Model Construction Methods:

  • Formalin induction
  • Carrageenan induction
  • Capsaicin induction
  • Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induction
  • Cyclophosphamide induced interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (ICBPS)
Visceral Pain Models

Optional Model Construction Methods:

  • Acetic acid writhing
  • IBS Model and Acetylcholine Writhing Model
Joint Inflammation Pain Models

Optional Model Construction Methods:

  • Monoiodoacetate (MIA) -induced Joint Pain
  • Collagen Induced Arthritis(CIA)
  • Arthritic Surgical Model
Postoperative Pain Models

Optional Model Construction Methods:

  • Bennett fracture model
  • Brennan's plantar incision model
  • Minipig cutaneous incision pain model
Acute Pain Models

Optional Model Construction Methods:

  • Hot Plate
  • Tail flick
  • Tail Immersion
  • Hargreaves Hyperalgesia
Fibromyalgia-Like Pain Models

Optional Model Construction Method:

  • Intermittent cold stress (ICS) Tail flick

*Note: Ace Therapeutics provides model-based research services exclusively through internal execution—no live model exportation is offered.

Don't See Your Pain Model? We've Got You Covered!

Our team crafts tailored pain modeling solutions—from neuropathic to inflammatory pain, species-specific adaptations, and behavioral endpoints—partner with us to design validated, clinically relevant pain models for your therapeutic discovery.

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Preclinical Pain Assessment Services

Ace Therapeutics specializes in providing robust, validated preclinical pain models designed to evaluate the efficacy of candidate analgesic compounds across multiple pain modalities. Our service platform integrates behavioral, physiological, and quantitative endpoints to support both early discovery and mechanistic pain research.

Mechanical Pain Assessment Thermal Pain Evaluation Chemical Pain Models Cold Pain Sensitivity Electrical Stimulation Pain Models

Electrical Stimulation Pain Models

Electrical stimulation directly activates peripheral sensory fibers, enabling controlled induction of nociceptive responses and quantification of central modulation mechanisms.

  • Tail Electrical Stimulation Test
  • Electrical Stimulation-Induced Vocalization Test

In Vitro Neuropathic Pain Model Development Services

Ace Therapeutics offers customized in vitro pain model development services, including DRG cells, iPSC-derived neurons, and co-cultures of these cells for the study of neuropathic pain and pain-related mechanisms.

Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) Cells
Ace Therapeutics offers a specialized in vitro model utilizing dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells, designed to facilitate the study of neuropathic pain and support the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
iPSC-Derived Sensory Neurons
Ace Therapeutics develops iPSC-derived sensory neuron models for the preclinical study of neuropathic pain and other pain-related mechanisms.
DRG Neurons and CD4⁺ Lymphocytes Co-culture
Ace Therapeutics specializes in developing DRG neurons and CD4⁺ lymphocytes co-culture models to enable mechanistic investigation of neuroimmune interactions in pain pathways.
Schwann Cells and DRG Neurons Co-culture
Ace Therapeutics develops customized Schwann cell and DRG neurons co-culture models to investigate peripheral nerve repair mechanisms and pain modulation.

Preclinical Analgesic Drug Discovery Services

Target-Based Analgesic Drug Discovery Services

Ace Therapeutics offers comprehensive analgesic drug discovery services, including novel target exploration, functional validation, and expression analysis of pain targets. Based on the following targets, we offer specialized drug discovery services tailored to your needs.

G-Protein Coupled Receptors

Opioid Receptors
Adenosine Receptors
Cannabinoid Receptors
Cholinergic Receptors

Ligand-Gated Ion Channels

TRPV1, TRPA1
NMDARs
P2X3
GABA receptors

Cytokine and Growth Factor Targets

trKA (NGF receptor)
TrkB(BDNF receptor)
TNF-α
IL-4,IL-10

Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels

Nav1.7
Nav1.8

Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels

Ca2.2
Ca2.3

Enzymes

COX1,COX2
ERK/MAPK
PDE4、PDE5
TPH

Modality-Based Analgesic Drug Discovery Services

For Small-Molecule Analgesics

Ace Therapeutics provides end-to-end small molecule analgesic discovery services, our versatile solutions accelerate the identification and optimization of effective analgesic compounds.

  • Ion Channel-Targeted Analgesic Discovery Services
  • Opioid Receptor Subtype Optimization Services
  • Neuromodulatory Pathway Modulator Discovery Services
  • Allosteric GPCR Analgesic Target Development Services
  • NSAID Novel Delivery System Development Services
  • GABA Analog Optimization & Discovery Services

For Biologic Analgesics

Ace Therapeutics offers comprehensive biologic analgesics discovery services, our integrated platform supports the development of innovative pain treatments across diverse biologic modalities.

  • Antibody-Based Analgesic Discovery Services
  • Analgesic Recombinant Protein and Analgesic Peptide Discovery Services
  • Analgesic Cell Therapy Discovery Services
  • Analgesic Gene Therapy Discovery Services

Mechanism-based Analgesic Drug Discovery Services

We offer specialized, mechanism-based analgesic drug discovery services targeting four key pain pathways, including the peripheral inflammatory pathway (NSAID), the central regulatory pathway (endogenous analgesic system modulator), the neuronal signaling pathway (neuromodulator and neurotransmitter) and the neuro-immune interaction pathway (immunomodulators).

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)

Endogenous Analgesic System Modulator

Neuromodulator and Neurotransmitter

Immunomodulators

Preclinical Services for Analgesic Drug Development

Ace Therapeutics supports all major stages of preclinical analgesic development. Our service pipeline is structured to de-risk candidate selection, optimize dosage regimens, and align with translational endpoints.

Target Validation and Mechanism Exploration In Vitro Screening and Prioritization In Vivo Pharmacology Pharmacokinetics and Bioavailability Studiess Safety Pharmacology and Early Toxicology Formulation Development (Preclinical Phase) Biomarker and Translational Endpoint Support

Target Validation and Mechanism Exploration

  • Pathway analysis and biomarker profiling
  • Ion channel functional assays (e.g., TRPV1, Nav1.7)
  • Pain-relevant gene knockout and knockdown models
  • Receptor-ligand interaction studies

In Vitro Screening and Prioritization

  • High-throughput screening platforms
  • Selectivity profiling across pain-associated targets
  • Neuronal viability and neurotoxicity evaluations
  • Structure-activity relationship (SAR) support via assay development

In Vivo Pharmacology

  • Acute and chronic efficacy evaluation in rodent pain models
  • Dose-response and minimal effective dose determination
  • Behavioral assessments: von Frey, hot plate, dynamic weight bearing
  • Pharmacodynamic endpoint evaluation (e.g., c-Fos activation, Iba1 staining)

Pharmacokinetics and Bioavailability Studies

  • Single and multiple dose PK profiling
  • Tissue distribution studies in CNS and peripheral compartments
  • Bioanalytical quantification via LC-MS/MS
  • Correlation of PK/PD parameters with efficacy outcomes

Safety Pharmacology and Early Toxicology

  • Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) determination in rodents
  • CNS side effect profiling (motor function, sedation, cognitive impact)
  • In vitro cardiotoxicity and hepatotoxicity screening
  • Preliminary hematology and clinical chemistry panels

Formulation Development (Preclinical Phase)

  • Development of pain-appropriate delivery routes (oral, IV, intrathecal, topical)
  • Solubility and stability optimization for preclinical formulations
  • Excipient compatibility studies

Biomarker and Translational Endpoint Support

Small Molecules

  • Biomarkers for central sensitization (e.g., GFAP, p-ERK, IL-6)
  • In vivo imaging support (bioluminescence, fluorescence)
  • Tissue-based transcriptomics or proteomics for mechanistic insights

Pain Biomarker Discovery Services

Ace Therapeutics provides advanced biomarker discovery services, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and rigorous scientific methods to identify and validate novel biomarkers. Our services ensure precision and reliability, driving innovation in pain research and therapeutics.

Optional Services

  • Molecular pain biomarker discovery and evaluation
  • Imaging pain biomarker discovery and evaluation
  • Electrophysiological pain biomarker discovery and evaluation

Why Choose Ace Therapeutics?

Expertise

Unparalleled knowledge and experience in pain research, driving innovative solutions for effective pain management.

Advanced Platforms

State-of-the-art technologies and advanced platforms that empower cutting-edge research and development.

Customized Solutions

Tailored research solutions designed to meet your specific needs, ensuring targeted and effective outcomes.

Efficiency

Exceptional efficiency in delivering results, without compromising on quality or scientific rigor.

FAQs About Our Preclinical Pain Research Services

What pain models do you recommend for testing chronic inflammatory pain?

For chronic inflammatory pain, we often recommend the Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) model, which provides prolonged inflammation and stable hyperalgesia. It allows longitudinal assessment of compound efficacy and is well-suited for both small-molecule and biologic therapeutics.

Can you evaluate centrally acting analgesics?

Yes. We offer models and analytical endpoints suitable for assessing CNS-active compounds, including behavioral tests (open field, rotarod), brain-targeted biodistribution studies, and gene/protein markers of central sensitization.

Are your in vitro systems compatible with human-derived cells?

Absolutely. We utilize both rodent and human-derived cell lines and primary cultures, including human iPSC-derived sensory neurons, to enhance translational relevance.

How are analgesic efficacy and behavioral responses measured?

Depending on the model, we use established behavioral endpoints such as mechanical allodynia (von Frey), thermal hyperalgesia (hot plate), spontaneous pain scoring, and dynamic weight bearing. These are complemented by biomarker and histological assessments when needed.

Can you help optimize dosing strategies for pain compounds?

We support dose-finding studies and minimal effective dose determination using both in vitro and in vivo approaches. Our PK/PD modeling capabilities help identify optimal dosing windows aligned with therapeutic targets.

Do you offer services for evaluating drug effects on comorbid symptoms like anxiety or depression?

While our primary focus is pain assessment, we can incorporate behavioral assessments relevant to mood and cognition (e.g., elevated plus maze, tail suspension) into study designs upon request.

Can you customize models or assays for novel mechanisms of action?

Yes. We collaborate closely with clients to develop or adapt models that reflect unique mechanisms or pathologies of interest. Customization includes assay development, biomarker integration, and tailored endpoints.

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Neuropathic Pain Models

Cancer Pain Models

Visceral Pain Models

Joint Inflammation Pain Models

Acute Pain Models

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