Ace Therapeutics is a specialized preclinical contract research organization offering comprehensive services to support analgesic drug development. Our capabilities include the design, validation, and application of animal models of visceral pain, which serve as essential tools in investigating the pathophysiology of internal organ pain and evaluating therapeutic efficacy across a wide spectrum of drug classes.
Visceral pain arises from internal organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, bladder, or uterus and is often more diffuse and complex than somatic pain. Effective modeling of visceral pain in animals is crucial for preclinical studies that aim to assess drug efficacy, explore dose–response relationships, and elucidate mechanisms of action under conditions that reflect human pathologies.
Ace Therapeutics offers a structured and translational approach to visceral pain research using animal models. The process supports compound evaluation at various stages of development
We initiate each project with a thorough review of the target indication and pharmacological characteristics of the compound to guide model selection.
These preliminary evaluations reduce development risk and support data-driven progression into full studies.
Ace Therapeutics uses well-characterized models of visceral pain to replicate key features of human conditions. Models are selected based on their translational relevance, reproducibility, and compatibility with drug classes under investigation.
Commonly Applied Visceral Pain Models
Model | Induction Method | Target Organ | Indication |
Colorectal distension (CRD) | Balloon inflation in the distal colon | Colon | IBS, IBD-associated pain |
TNBS-induced colitis | Intrarectal 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid | Colon | Inflammatory bowel pain |
Acetic acid-induced writhing | Intraperitoneal acetic acid | Peritoneum | Non-specific visceral irritation |
Cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis | Systemic administration of cyclophosphamide | Bladder | Interstitial cystitis, bladder pain syndrome |
Uterine pain model | Hormonal priming + uterine distension or inflammation | Uterus | Dysmenorrhea, endometriosis pain |
Model Validation Parameters
We assess the analgesic potential of test compounds across different visceral pain paradigms using standardized behavioral and molecular readouts.
Understanding the biological mechanisms of visceral pain relief enhances drug development. Ace Therapeutics supports mechanistic studies using diverse molecular biology platforms.
To support early-stage development, we offer exploratory safety and pharmacokinetic assessments using established protocols and in-life sample collection techniques.
Our visceral pain models are applicable for evaluating a wide range of therapeutic modalities:
Drug Type | Potential Application |
Neuromodulators | CRD and colitis models to assess gut-brain interaction |
Anti-inflammatory agents | TNBS and cystitis models for local and systemic inflammation |
Ion channel blockers | Uterine distension and cystitis models for nociceptor modulation |
TRP channel antagonists | Broad-spectrum visceral hypersensitivity models |
Natural products | Mechanism-oriented exploration in visceral pain conditions |
Ace Therapeutics combines deep expertise in visceral pain pathophysiology with robust preclinical capabilities. Our end-to-end services—spanning model establishment, efficacy assessment, and mechanistic profiling—deliver actionable data to de-risk analgesic development.
What types of visceral pain can be modeled in your platform?
We model various types of visceral pain including gastrointestinal (IBS, colitis), urogenital (bladder pain, dysmenorrhea), and peritoneal pain using validated protocols.
Can models be customized for specific drug targets?
Yes. We provide model customization based on specific molecular targets or indications, including alternative induction methods, readouts, or genetically modified animals.
What species are used in your visceral pain studies?
We primarily use rats (e.g., Sprague-Dawley) and mice (e.g., C57BL/6), depending on the pharmacological profile and PK requirements of the test compound.
Are your studies compatible with regulatory filing?
Our services focus on early preclinical discovery. While not designed for regulatory submission, they are ideal for lead optimization and candidate prioritization.
How do you measure visceral pain in animal models?
Depending on the model, we use visceromotor reflex (VMR), EMG recordings, spontaneous pain behaviors, and biomarker assessments for quantifying pain responses.
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