The Minipig in Biomedical Research

The second edition of The Minipig in Biomedical Research is a comprehensive resource for research scientists on the use of the minipig in basic and applied biomedical research. Written by experts in the field, coverage extends from the minipig’s origins, anatomy, genetics, immunology, pathology and physiology to its welfare, health, and husbandry; practical dosing and examination procedures; surgical techniques; and all areas of toxicity testing and the uses of the minipig as a disease model. The book represents the state of the art, recognising the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence, and where appropriate, relevant databases are referenced. The future of minipigs with respect to genome editing and possible use in transplantation research makes this a very interesting model.

Since the first edition was published there has been a considerable increase in scientific, industrial and regulatory interest in the minipig; in some jurisdictions, for instance the UK, it is mandated that the minipig should be considered as a first-line non-rodent model. The expert authors in this new edition have given practical details and extensive examples of its successful application in many fields including surgery, drug development and safety testing. Greater emphasis is given to the origins and uses of several different strains of minipig, the greater understanding of genomics, genetic manipulation, immunology, their value in the development of novel exploratory and therapeutic implantable devices, and genetic and surgical procedures.

The second edition includes full color throughout, with high-quality illustrations, making it the go-to guide and resource for present and potential new users of minipigs.

Andrew Makin, BA, MSc, ERT, MRSB, is working as an independent toxicology consultant, having previously worked for nearly 40 years in contract research both in the UK and in Denmark. His experience covers a wide range of study types, involving many different species, and products from pharmaceuticals (large and small molecules), chemicals to medical devices and beyond. He has worked for more than 20 years with minipigs as a preclinical testing species and was one of the first appointees as Minipig Ambassador by Ellegaard Göttingen Minipigs.

Anthony D. Dayan, LLB, MD, FRCP, FRCPath, FBTS, retired as Professor of Toxicology at St Bartholomews Hospital Medical College, (now part of Queen Mary’s University) London. His previous posts included Head of Toxicology, Wellcome Foundation Research UK. He has been a member of regulatory and advisory committees for foods, pesticides and medicines, and for animal experimentation for WHO, EU, British and German governments, and he has consulted widely for biotech and pharmaceutical firms.

Kenneth L. Hastings, Dr.P.H., D.A.B.T., Fellow A.T.S. earned his Doctor of Public Health degree from the School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in 1987. He completed his doctoral research at the Chemical Industry Institute of Toxicology. Dr. Hastings served as a US Peace Corps Volunteer in Fiji. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship in the Pharmacology/Toxicology Research Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arizona. From 1991 – 2007 Dr. Hastings served  in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, in various positions including as an Associate Director in the Office of New Drugs (2003 – 2007). Dr. Hastings was Associate Vice President for Regulatory Policy, Sanofi US. He served in many professional societies (President, Society of Toxicology Immunotoxicology Specialty Section; President, American College of Toxicology; President, SOT Regulatory and Safety Evaluation SS). Dr. Hastings served as President of the American Board of Toxicology. He is currently an independent consultant specializing in toxicology studies in drug development.

Niels-Christian Ganderup, MSc, MBA, is Snr. Business Development Manager at Copenhagen Capacity where he is engaged in attracting life science investments into the Medicon Valley region centered around Copenhagen. Prior to this he was in specialist clinical genetics testing company providing cutting edge genetic analysis for complex diseases in neurology and endocrinology. Before this he worked with engagement worldwide with academic, pharmaceutical, and other industrial research organizations and CROs in comparing the value of the minipig and other species in research and testing programs in pharmacology and toxicology. He founded the Minipig Research Forum which organizes annual scientific conferences in Europe about all aspects of the use of minipigs in biomedical research.