Preclinical Translational Services

Two operating tables and various surgical equipment in a beige, cinder-block OR Preclinical Translational Services is an on-site research support team dedicated to facilitating the use of preclinical models to help you improve patient outcomes. Whether the study is grant-funded or industry-sponsored, our team is ready to support the success of your preclinical study.

We provide high-caliber clinical veterinary, investigative surgical and technical expertise, as well as advice about study design and animal model development. We are experienced in large-animal models such as pigs, sheep and nonhuman primates. We offer whatever level of support you need, including as-needed technical assistance, surgical procedures, clinical care and oversight, or coordinating all aspects of the preclinical study in collaboration with you.

Person in blue protective gown and hair net reaches up to remove supplies from blue cabinets with glass doors Preclinical Translational Services adds distinct value to studies by giving investigators access to a scalable team of expert research veterinary clinicians and surgeons and highly trained technical staff who partner with faculty to conduct preclinical research protocols. Learn more about our capabilities by reading about the team leads: Susan Appt, DVM, section head of Comparative Medicine and director of Preclinical Translational Services, and Heather Burkart, DVM, associate director.

Our Expertise

Draw on our skills and expertise to expand your study capabilities and produce quality preclinical data.

Surgical and Anesthetic Expertise

Our team can complement your research expertise by providing surgical or technical support for routine or complicated surgical or anesthetic procedures.

Clinical Veterinary Care

Our team has the clinical veterinary experience to manage a variety of disease models and provide veterinary oversight for the duration of your study, including animal care, enrichment and housing. We house many of our nonhuman primates socially according to European Standards and follow strict protocols to ensure your animals receive the care they need.

Preclinical Study Design

Utilizing our knowledge of preclinical protocols, animal models and project management, we design research studies to meet your needs, including studies with large animal models such as sheep, pigs and nonhuman primates. We can help you choose the appropriate animal model, set the scope, write the IACUC protocol based on our knowledge of animal care and advise on budget and timelines.

Model Development

In addition to a range of established animal models, our team offers expertise in developing custom animal models. From large to small animals, we can help you develop an animal model uniquely suited for your research needs.

Diet Formulation

Our diet preparation lab develops custom nonhuman primate and other animal diets that can include therapeutics or represent various human nutritional environments, such as Western and Mediterranean-like diets.

Good Laboratory Practices

If your preclinical study needs to be GLP-compliant, we have the training and the state-of-the-art facilities necessary to run GLP studies, including specialized equipment such as fluoroscopy and laparoscopy, that produce the quality results your grant or industry sponsorship demands.

Take a Closer Look

Download our brochure to learn more about how Preclinical Translational Services can support your study, including a list of common procedures, imaging capabilities and other unique resources.

Ready to Start a Study?

Reach out to us to discuss your study. Please choose the button that best describes you.

Individuals outside of Wake Forest University School of Medicine who want to start a study or faculty and staff who want to start a conversation.

Inquiry

Wake Forest faculty and staff only, who know their study needs and are ready to get started.

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Two figures in blue protective coverings and hair nets perform surgery in a darkened operating room

Leadership

The team is led by Susan Appt, DVM, associate professor and section head of Comparative Medicine / Pathology, and Heather Burkart, DVM, assistant professor of Comparative Medicine and associate surgical research veterinarian. Burkart has surgical expertise in a wide variety of animal models and serves on the Wake Forest IACUC. The technical staff of Preclinical Translational Services has more than 30 years combined research experience.

Technology Transfer and Commercialization

Research Focus Areas

Translation to Care

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