ANIMAL MODELS IN MODERN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH

Pehlivanovi? Belma*, Fetahovi? Dina, Arukovi? Emina, Žiga Nermina and Be?i? Fahir

ABSTRACT

Animal models represent unique source of in vivo data for various fields of biomedical research. In today’s pharmaceutical drug development, animal models are used as pre-clinical tools for potential drug screening process and translation into clinical trials. These models are most commonly used as in vivo models for evaluation of basic pharmacokinetic parameters, drug efficiency and safety. Selection of ideal animal model for biomedical research is crucial part of research process as there are important parameters that researcher have to have in mind when selecting animals for their trials. In field of tissue engineering very important contribution is given by usage of various animal models. For in vivo testing of medical devices a variety of animal species can be used to define a model. This is important in gathering preliminary information on the safety and, in some cases, effectiveness of a device. This review describes application of animal models in different fields of biomedical research, such as drug and medical devices development, and hopes to summarize main properties needed for selection of ideal animal model in biomedical research.

Keywords: Animal models, animal use, biomedical research.