A year into the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, cases are surging around the world once again. Many find themselves in another lockdown, unemployment is widespread, and 1.34 million deaths have been reported. There is no way around it, it has been a tough year. However, hope is on the horizon as new therapeutics and promising vaccines near the finish line. We would like to extend enormous gratitude to all the researchers and health care personnel who have been working day and night for months to fight COVID-19 and are here to support you.
We have been serving the research community for over 35 years and our products have been cited in nearly 1,000 infectious disease publications. We are proud to be part of Harvard Bioscience, supporting researchers in their quest to defeat SARS-CoV-2 with solutions for numerous applications from in vitro to in vivo. Specifically, DSI solutions enable model development, assessment of physiologic effects, and therapeutic development/evaluation.
Coronavirus Publications Citing Use of DSI Solutions
Below is a sample of studies using DSI solutions in coronavirus research. You can find additional information and publications on our website or Google Scholar.
Model Development & Physiologic Assessment
Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 infection in two non-human primate species: rhesus and cynomolgus macaques
For successful therapeutic development, appropriate animal models must be developed and validated. In this study, researchers evaluated rhesus and cynomolgus macaques as models for SARS-CoV-2. Using DSI telemetry, the team was able to monitor core body temperature and locomotor activity continuously throughout the study and identify fever onset. Both species showed moderate disease symptoms as shown by pulmonary lesions with CT imaging. The study’s results suggest both species can serve as a quality model for COVID-19 research.
Small Particle Aerosol Exposure of African Green Monkeys to MERS-CoV as a Model for Highly Pathogenic Coronavirus Infection
It has proven difficult to create effective primate models of coronaviruses as they typically do not develop the same severity of symptoms found in humans. This study evaluated MERS-CoV viral load in twelve African green monkeys for 28 days. DSI’s whole body plethysmography and Buxco FinePointe software was used to calculate inhaled aerosol and evaluate respiratory function pre and post infection. To monitor body temperature and fever onset, the team also surgically instrumented primates with DSI telemetry prior to exposure. The study’s results show differing effects of MERS-CoV infection based on the viral load and suggest aerosol exposure as an effective approach for developing primate models of novel coronaviruses.
Therapeutic Evaluation
Remdesivir Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 in Human Lung Cells and Chimeric SARS-CoV Expressing the SARS-CoV-2 RNA Polymerase in Mice
This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of remdesivir, a now FDA-approved drug for treating COVID-19 patients. The research team used DSI’s whole body plethysmography to evaluate lung function throughout the study. Their results showed diminished lung viral load and improved pulmonary function in mice treated with remdesivir and supported additional clinical testing.
Comparative therapeutic efficacy of remdesivir and combination lopinavir, ritonavir, and interferon beta against MERS-CoV
Research continues to identify therapeutics for the broader family of coronaviruses, including MERS-CoV. In this study, researchers at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill evaluated the therapeutic potential of remdesivir and a combination of lopinavir, ritonavir, and interferon beta. They used DSI’s whole body plethysmography daily to assess lung function in a subset of mice. The study’s results show remdesivir may be an effective treatment for MERS-CoV.
Want to learn more?
Download our complementary toolkit to learn about all the solutions offered by Harvard Bioscience for infectious disease research, additional case studies and citations, and a video showing how DSI’s inhalation solutions can transform COVID-19 studies.
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