In Vivo Models For Drug Discovery

How can animal models contribute to the early drug development process, from target validation to lead profiling? Pharmaceutical industry experts discuss the opportunities for novel drug development as well as the scientific and regulatory pitfalls along the path to success.

Jose Miguel Vela obtained his PhD at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). He was working as a faculty member engaged in both teaching and research at the Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology of the UAB. In 2003 he joined ESTEVE R&D as Head of Target Validation, was then Director of Pharmacology, and currently is the Head of Drug Discovery and Preclinical Development. Starting as a neurobiologist he progressed as a neuropharmacologist. His current research is focused on the discovery and development of new analgetics. He has authored more than 100 scientific publications and 80 patent applications.

Rafael Maldonado is Professor of Pharmacology at the University Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona (Spain), where he founded the Laboratory of Neuropharmacology. His research is focused on the study of the neurochemical basis of drug dependence and related disorders, including affective, pain and eating disorders, with a particular focus on the development of novel behavioral models. He has published over 250 scientific articles in international journals and he has been Principal Investigator for 20 years of research grants funded by the main French, Spanish, European, and USA agencies. He is also member of the editorial board of several scientific journals, and has also collaborated with public authorities and private companies in the research policy and pharmaceuticals development on drug abuse and pain.

Michel Hamon is Professor of Neuropharmacology at the University Pierre and Marie Curie in Paris (France). He founded and led a Neuropsychopharmacology Unit of the French Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) at the Faculty of Medicine Pitie-Salp?tri?re, with the focus on neurobiological mechanisms underlying key brain functions (nociception, sleep, neurovegetative regulations) and behavioral controls by using validated animal models. He has published more than 600 scientific articles, and was president of the French Society for Neuroscience.