Tau Mouse Models

Biospective's unique, proprietary, validated tau animal models (AAV-tau mice; tau PFF mice) are optimized for translational neuroscience drug development. These mouse models feature phosphorylated tau aggregates, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. These mice serves as excellent models of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD), and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). As a neuroscience CRO, Biospective provides efficacy, MoA, and target-engagement studies in these tauopathy models.

Biospective specializes in mouse models of tauopathies, with deep expertise in tau pathology. As a global preclinical contract research organization, we support biotech and pharmaceutical drug development programs using validated tau rodent models for therapeutic efficacy, biodistribution, mechanism-of-action, target engagement, and PK/PD studies across small molecules, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), gene therapy (AAVs), antibodies, and other biologics.

Biospective has developed unique tau mouse models that recapitulate key features of human Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD), and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), including misfolded protein aggregation, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, motor dysfunction, and cognitive impairment. Studies include translational biomarkers such as MRI and PET imaging, fluid biomarkers including neurofilament light chain (NfL) & cytokines, and quantitative IHC/IF. With fully integrated, end-to-end preclinical services, Biospective's services enable translational tauopathy research from study design through data interpretation.

Tau Mouse Models – Our Core Expertise

Biospective specializes in disease-relevant tau mouse models for drug development.

Tau protein aggregation and propagation are central to the pathophysiology of numerous neurodegenerative diseases. As part of our neurodegeneration models portfolio, Biospective has built specialized capabilities around tau animal models.

Our first of its kind AAV-tau model recapitulates key aspects of tauopathies with Parkinsonian features, including Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD). This mouse model expresses human wild-type 2N4R tau in disease-specific brain regions and is a core differentiator of our preclinical CRO services. This model recapitulates key features of human PSP & CBD – including phosphorylated tau aggregates, neuroinflammation, dopaminergic cell loss, and motor impairment. Complementing this AAV-tau model, our tau PFF mouse models serve as excellent models of tau seeding and spreading. Our in vivo services are focused on reproducibility, well-defined model phenotypes, and the integration of cognitive, motor, imaging, biochemical, molecular, and quantitative histopathological endpoints to enable comprehensive in vivo tauopathy efficacy studies and exploration of mechanism-of-action.

Translational Pathology and Biomarkers in Tau Models

Biospective has established a broad range of clinically-relevant disease markers to facilitate translation to clinical studies.

As a Preclinical Neuroscience CRO, we design our tau models with translational relevance to mirror key aspects of the human disease. A major differentiator of Biospective is our focus on translational biomarkers that align preclinical findings with clinical outcomes – including advanced neuroimaging and fluid biomarkers. We incorporate:

• Tau–related biomarkers (pathology and spread)

• Neuroinflammation markers (microglia & astrocyte activation)

• Neurodegeneration endpoints (neuron loss, brain atrophy)

• Mechanism-of-action confirmation (target/pathway engagement)

Our modeling and biomarker strategies ensure that preclinical successes meaningfully predict clinical potential, thereby de-risking the transition from animal studies to human trials.

Why Choose Biospective as Your Tau Models CRO?

Biospective is a neuroscience CRO with a focus on tauopathy animal models, strong scientific expertise, and extensive experience conducting preclinical studies with Tau models.

• Specialized Tauopathies CRO: Focused on tauopathies and neurodegenerative disease models, not a generalist animal provider.

• Multiple Validated Tau Models: AAV and PFF induced tau mouse models are readily available for studies.

• Tau Expertise: Deep scientific expertise in tau biology and pathology, the central misfolded protein in multiple neurodegenerative diseases.

• Integrated Services: Fully integrated preclinical services from study design to data interpretation, ensuring seamless execution.

• Proven Efficacy Data: Industry-standard tau models efficacy datasets and extensive historical controls for robust benchmarking.

• Accelerated Timelines: Rapid study initiation and efficient workflows to compress timelines without sacrificing quality.

• Translational Biomarkers: Advanced biomarkers (MRI, PET imaging, CSF/blood assays) that bridge preclinical findings to clinical outcomes.

• Flexible & Customized Study Designs: Our scientists work with your team to customize the study design to best fit your goals.

• Global Support: Experience supporting biotech and pharma clients worldwide, with responsive project management and communication.

Our scientists work as an extension of your internal team, collaborating closely to ensure scientific rigor, reproducibility, and translational relevance at every stage of your tau research program.

End-to-End Tau Models Preclinical CRO Services

Biospective offers fully integrated preclinical contract research services.

• Study design & model selection – expert guidance on choosing the right tau model and designing robust studies

• In vivo efficacy studies – execution of treatment studies with comprehensive monitoring of outcomes

• Biodistribution & PK/PD – analysis of drug distribution and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics in CNS and periphery

• Target engagement assays – confirmation that the therapeutic hits its molecular target (e.g. tau reduction, pathway modulation)

• Behavioral analysis – cognitive testing (Novel Object Recognition, Y-maze, etc.) and motor function testing (hindlimb clasping, cylinder test, tail suspension swing test, rotarod, etc.)

• In vivo multi-modality imaging – MRI, PET, SPECT, fluorescence, and bioluminescence imaging to track disease and treatment effects

• Immunoassays – biomarker quantification in CSF, blood, and tissue (e.g. NfL, cytokines, chemokines)

• Immunohistochemistry (IHC) & multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) – post-mortem tissue staining & quantitative image analysis to assess pathology and therapeutic impact

• Data analysis & reporting – rigorous quantitative analysis, statistics, and comprehensive reporting by our scientists

This end-to-end approach minimizes handoffs, accelerates timelines, and reduces risk for our sponsors by keeping all aspects of the study with one expert team.

How are Tau Mouse Models Used in Drug Development?

We work closely with our biotech and pharma sponsors to:

• Evaluate therapeutic efficacy and dose-response in tau models

• Assess target engagement and disease-modifying effects

• Support translational biomarker strategies, including imaging and fluid biomarkers for clinical readiness

Our tau mouse models are optimized for in vivo testing of multiple therapeutic modalities, including both traditional and advanced approaches: