Non-human animal exhibiting diminished upper and lower motor neuron function and sensory perception

US10285387B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• REGENERON PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. · US

Inventors

• Burcin Ikiz · Santa Monica, US
• Michael L. LaCroix-Fralish · San Francisco, US
• Susan D. Croll · New Paltz, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 16, 2016
• Grant date: May 14, 2019
• Expiry date: Jun 19, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2800/28
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An animal model for motor neuron dysfunction in disease, e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), comprising a genetically modified non-human animal that comprises a genetically modified DR6 allele and exhibits normal phenotypes at birth and for a few weeks or months after birth. However, as the non-human animal ages, it develops motor neuron dysfunction that presents as one or more ALS-like symptoms, which may progress rapidly after onset. Methods of identifying candidate agents that may be used to prevent, delay or treat ALS are also provided.