ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 24, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- MIR Preclinical Services (MIR) has added a preclinical model of Collagen Antibody Induced Arthritis (CAIA) to its list of in vivo service offerings. CAIA is a model of human rheumatoid arthritis that has the advantage of inducing disease in mouse strains that are resistant to the traditional collagen induced models. CAIA relies on the injection of a cocktail of monoclonal antibodies directed against type II collagen followed by a single injection of LPS. Disease begins to appear within 7-8 days in this model as opposed to 21-28 days in the traditional method of disease induction. A typical Collagen Antibody Induced Arthritis study can be completed within 18-24 days.

Inflammation services are led by Dr. Joe Cornicelli who has over 22 years of experience conducting and directing preclinical research in the large pharmaceutical industry, involving all aspects of the development pipeline from target identification through early clinical studies. ``This is a robust model of human rheumatoid arthritis that has some distinct advantages over other similar models such as Collagen Induced or Streptococcal Cell Wall induced rheumatoid arthritis,'' Dr. Cornicelli stated. ``We are developing a number of preclinical model systems that will allow clients to test novel therapeutics targeting a host of different mediators and pathways involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Multiple models can help define the mechanism of action for test compounds and provide the confidence needed to move therapies forward into clinical trial. We not only develop innovative models for service but also provide the preclinical consultation and experience needed to strategically assist our clients in their selection and development of promising preclinical candidates,'' Dr. Cornicelli continued.

About MIR Preclinical Services

MIR is a contract research organization specializing in the preclinical assessments and evaluation of novel anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents. The company's senior leadership has over 100 years of combined drug discovery experience with models of cancer and inflammatory diseases. MIR offers many services that include analysis of efficacy, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, blood chemistries and histology. This is in addition to non-invasive imaging of disease status at anatomical and functional levels and consulting. MIR is a leader in the integration of traditional efficacy testing with clinically relevant imaging technologies to provide new insights to drug discovery and development. The company is unique in its ability to apply non-invasive in vivo imaging modalities including preclinical MRI, X-ray micro-CT, high resolution preclinical PET, and bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging to visualize biological processes such as signal transduction, apoptosis, angiogenesis, bone deformation, joint degradation and tumor growth.

         MIR Preclinical Services
         Frank Urban, Manager, Business Development
         734-821-1063
         Fax: 734-821-1066
         info@molecularimaging.com
         www.molecularimaging.com
         800 Technology Drive
         Ann Arbor, MI 48108