A sheep model for continuous intrathecal infusion of test substances

Pharmaceutical research and new drug development rely extensively on animal research. The development of novel agents for intrathecal administration r equires preclinical studies of toxic effects in an animal model, We have de veloped a nonrodent animal model for this purpose. Our sheep model: 1 Is an animal whose neural axis is similar to the human 2 Allows for the percutaneous placement of intrathecal catheters 3 Has minimal possibilities of infection because the infusion system is tot ally implanted 4 Provides continuous infusion of the test agent 5 Generates behavioral, motor, neurological and histopathological informati on so that safety guidelines can be established prior to preclinical studie s.