Cynomolgus Monkey as Host for the Prediction of Drug Transporter Interactions

written by Marton Jani, SOLVO Biotechnology

The cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) is an important non-human primate species that is widely applied in preclinical studies during drug discovery and development. Both physiology and sequential homology are comparable to that of the two closest relative species (chimpanzee and bonobo) yet the lighter weight, sexual behavior and its natural habitat overlapping with that of humans make it an overall better pick. Nonetheless the laboratory application of these animals should be minimized and replaced where possible.

In addition to their primary industry application as human surrogate in PK testing of small molecules, monkeys are also the hosts of toxicity as well as DDI testing for biologicals.

Nonetheless, monkey specific data on drug transporter proteins have been relatively scarce to date. A collection of all the available publications yields a selection numbering in the low tens, whereas publications on the human orthologs count in the many thousands.

Literature concerning monkey drug transporters can be generally classified as systemic PK level interspecies comparison, barrier specific DDI, molecular level interspecies comparison.

to be continued …