Develop Neurotherapeutics With Us
NorthernBio offers precise, state-of-the-art surgical procedures and expertise tailored to support preclinical research, advancing medical innovation, and therapeutic development in neuroscience.
Optimized CNS Drug Delivery
Through state-of-the-art surgical techniques and expertise, the unwavering focus of NorthernBio on addressing complex central and peripheral nervous system disorders with precision and efficacy remains unmatched. Utilizing advanced delivery methods, including intrathecal, intracerebral, and other blood-brain barrier-penetrating approaches, our clients are able to address many disease areas like neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, psychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia, as well as chronic pain management among others.
Consult a Scientist
We are a team of scientists who value open communication and collaboration. We work closely with our sponsors to provide customized solutions and expert support.
Targeted Delivery
To address the many nervous system disorders, NorthernBio offers specialized targeted delivery methods, including intrathecal, intracerebral, and blood-brain barrier-penetrating approaches to ensure precise targeting to enhance therapeutic outcomes and minimize systemic effects. This includes the development and administration of advanced therapies such as biologics, gene therapies (AAVs), RNA-based treatments, and small molecules.
Instrumentation & Capabilities
Equipment
MRI – Philips 3T
Philips Intellispace Image Analysis
Custom Designed MRI Compatible Stereotaxic Frames
Routes of administration
Intracerebroventricular (ICV)
Intraparenchymal
Intracisternal (ICM)
Intrathecal
Epidural
Perineural
Neural Implants
Species
Mouse
Rat
Rabbit
Canine
NHP
Swine
Sheep
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Neuroscience
What routes of administration does NorthernBio specialize in for central nervous system (CNS) delivery?
NorthernBio specializes in targeted delivery of therapeutics to the CNS. Using advanced surgical techniques, our experts deliver therapeutics through intracerebroventricular (ICV), intraparenchymal (IPa), intracisternal (ICM), intrathecal lumbar (IT-L), epidural, and perineural routes.
What is the difference between ICV, ICM, and IT-L delivery?
All three routes deliver a therapeutic into cerebrospinal fluid, but each uses a different entry point. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administered into the brain’s lateral ventricles, intracisternal (ICM) administered into the cisterna magna at the base of the skull, and intrathecal lumbar (IT-L) administered into the lumbar spinal canal. The selected route affects how broadly a drug is distributed through the CNS. NorthernBio helps Sponsors choose the route that best aligns with the intended target.
How do you get a gene therapy past the blood-brain barrier in nonclinical studies?
Rather than relying on systemic dosing to cross the blood-brain-barrier, at NorthernBio we use direct surgical applications. We have delivered AAV vectors, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), siRNAs, and other CNS therapeutics through intraparenchymal (IPa), ICV, ICM, and IT-L routes, with custom MRI-compatible stereotaxic frames supporting precise targeting. This approach delivers the therapeutic to the intended target and while limiting systemic exposure.
Which animal species are used for CNS gene therapy studies?
NorthernBio conducts CNS studies in mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, sheep, swine, and nonhuman primates. Rodents are generally used for early proof-of-concept studies, while large animal species are selected when the surgical technique or delivery device must closely replicate the clinical procedure. Most IND-enabling programs require both a rodent and a non-rodent species.
What imaging is used in nonclinical neuroscience studies?
NorthernBio operates an in-house MRI with Philips Intellispace image analysis, along with custom MRI-compatible stereotaxic frames for image-guided dosing. Sponsors use imaging to confirm needle placement, assess distribution, and collect longitudinal endpoints in the same animals over the course of a study.
Where does NorthernBio perform CNS surgical studies?
NorthernBio performs CNS surgical work at our West Michigan facilities located approximately 40 miles west of Grand Rapids. Sponsors regularly fly in to observe procedures or train our surgical team on a specific device or workflow.
Neuroscience Resources
MR-Based Quantification of CSF Leakage Following Intracisternal Magna Tap in Nonhuman Primates
Route to a Safe Delivery Strategy of AAV-Based Gene Therapy to the Caudate and Putamen of Nonhuman Primates
SPK-10001 Induces a Durable and Safe Reduction of HTT Protein Supporting Further Development in Huntington’s Disease
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