Charles River Laboratories International has entered a collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company’s artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI/ML)-focused drug discovery platform, Lilly TuneLab.
Under the agreement, Charles River will offer nonclinical testing services to companies working with the TuneLab ecosystem.
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Lilly TuneLab grants participating biotech companies access to AI and ML models informed by decades of internal research data from Eli Lilly and Company.
In exchange, companies contribute their own data, enhancing the AI/ML models through federated learning. The platform aims to help participants quickly evaluate and select drug candidate molecules.
By incorporating Charles River’s nonclinical testing services, the TuneLab partnership seeks to standardise testing protocols across its associated organisations.
This is expected to improve the AI/ML models’ ability to learn from an increasing pool of data contributions and to increase the platform’s efficiency.
Charles River chief science and innovation officer Dr Namandjé Bumpus said: “The combination of Charles River’s decades-long expertise in nonclinical testing with TuneLab’s innovative AI/ML models will support the accelerated development of innovative therapeutics.
“TuneLab’s collaborative AI platform democratises access to pharma-grade tools, relieving a substantial resource burden for biotechs. By layering in Charles River’s industry-leading hands-on research experience, TuneLab participants have access to additional validation that supports discovery decision-making.”
Lilly TuneLab operates as part of Lilly Catalyze360, which includes Lilly Ventures, Lilly Gateway Labs, and Lilly ExploR&D. Together, these units support biotech innovation by offering access to funding, laboratory space, technology, and development resources.
Charles River continues work on new approach methodologies (NAMs) through its Alternative Methods Advancement Project (AMAP), an initiative dedicated to reducing reliance on traditional animal testing when scientifically appropriate.
The AMAP effort is overseen by Charles River’s Scientific Advisory Board, chaired by Dr Bumpus, and aims to foster safe and timely development of new medicines.
In June 2024, Charles River Laboratories partnered with Sanofi to further develop digital control groups for virtual clinical trials to move away from the controversial practice of live animal testing.
