Inflammatory and autoimmune diseases are characterised by complex, multi-factorial immune dysregulation, involving innate and adaptive immune responses, cytokine networks and tissue-specific damage. Demonstrating meaningful preclinical efficacy and pharmacodynamic activity therefore requires models that go beyond symptom reduction to capture mechanism-of-action, immune modulation and biomarker response.
At CER Groupe, we design and conduct customised preclinical inflammation and autoimmunity efficacy studies, combining in vivo disease models with supporting in vitro and cell-based assays. As both a research centre and a CRO, we support pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device developers with translationally relevant data to guide candidate selection, dose optimisation and progression toward clinical development.
Our approach to inflammatory and autoimmune indications is built on:
This strategy supports programmes ranging from early proof-of-concept to advanced preclinical optimisation, across small molecules, biologics, antibodies, cell therapies and innovative immunomodulatory approaches.
CER Groupe offers a broad portfolio of established and adaptable in vivo models covering acute and chronic inflammation, autoimmune disorders and immune-mediated tissue damage.
These models support rapid proof-of-concept and early pharmacodynamic assessment.
Available models include:
Key readouts: Cytokine release (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), acute phase markers, immune-cell activation, histopathology of affected tissues.
Chronic models enable evaluation of disease-modifying activity, immune regulation and tissue protection.
Available models include:
Key readouts: Clinical disease scores, joint or tissue inflammation, immune-cell infiltration, cytokine and chemokine profiles, histopathology scoring.
For programmes targeting defined tissues or organs, CER Groupe supports organ-focused inflammation models.
Examples include:
Key readouts: Organ-specific pathology, imaging where relevant, immune profiling and molecular biomarkers.
In vitro and cell-based assays are used to characterise immunomodulatory activity, refine mechanisms and guide in vivo study design.
These assays support early candidate ranking, MoA validation and biomarker selection before or alongside in vivo efficacy studies.
Inflammation and autoimmunity studies at CER Groupe integrate multi-layered pharmacodynamic readouts, including:
This integrated strategy strengthens translational relevance and supports clinical positioning and regulatory discussions.
For programmes requiring non-standard or highly specific disease settings, CER Groupe offers custom model development and co-development, including:
This approach is particularly suited for first-in-class immunomodulators and innovative therapeutic concepts.