Metabolic and age-related diseases are driven by complex interactions between glucose and lipid metabolism, chronic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress and tissue dysfunction. These conditions often evolve slowly and involve multiple organs, making the generation of robust, mechanistically meaningful preclinical efficacy and pharmacodynamic data particularly challenging.
At CER Groupe, we design and conduct customised preclinical efficacy studies in metabolism and ageing, integrating in vivo disease models with supporting in vitro and cell-based assays. As both a research centre and a CRO, we help pharmaceutical, biotechnology and nutrition innovators generate decision-driving data to support candidate selection, dose optimisation and progression toward clinical development.
Our approach is built on four key principles:
This strategy supports programmes from early proof-of-concept to advanced preclinical optimisation, across small molecules, biologics, nutritional ingredients and innovative preventive or disease-modifying approaches.
CER Groupe offers a portfolio of established and adaptable in vivo models covering metabolic disorders and ageing-associated dysfunctions.
These models support evaluation of anti-obesity, metabolic and insulin-sensitising strategies.
Available models include:
Key readouts: Body weight evolution, body composition, glucose and insulin tolerance tests (GTT, ITT), lipid profiles, inflammatory biomarkers, tissue histopathology (e.g. adipose tissue, liver).
Models designed to capture impaired glucose homeostasis and pancreatic dysfunction.
Available models include:
Key readouts: Blood glucose and insulin levels, insulin sensitivity, pancreatic pathology, metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers.
Ageing models support evaluation of interventions targeting cellular resilience, metabolic decline and age-associated inflammation.
Available models include:
Key readouts: Metabolic parameters, body composition, inflammatory status, tissue integrity and functional endpoints depending on study design.
In vitro and cell-based assays provide early pharmacodynamic insights and help refine mechanisms before or alongside in vivo studies.
These assays are particularly relevant for programmes targeting mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative damage and cellular protection.
To distinguish true metabolic or protective effects from non-specific toxicity:
These assays support candidate ranking, MoA validation and rational progression into in vivo efficacy models.
Metabolism and ageing studies at CER Groupe integrate multi-level pharmacodynamic readouts, including:
This integrated strategy enhances translational relevance and supports alignment with clinical metabolic and ageing endpoints.
For programmes addressing non-standard metabolic pathways or ageing mechanisms, CER Groupe offers custom model development and co-development, including:
This approach is particularly suited for first-in-class metabolic therapies and ageing-focused innovation.