Testing of drug in animal models for assessment of safety in addition to efficacy is primary concern for a drug intended to be used in animals and humans. The action of a drug to human body (pharmacodynamics) and response of body to drug (Pharmacokinetics) depend on several factors including, but not limited to, absorption, bioavailability, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Most diseases require intake of drugs for short duration while others require medium to longer duration i. e. months to years or even lifelong. Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of drugs also varies from individual to individual, race or ethnicity. Therefore, it is important to appropriately assess short- and long-term effects and efficacy of drugs in animal models in preclinical trial followed by in animals and humans in clinical trials before releasing them for therapeutic use. The safety and efficacy assessment of drug involves testing its effects in tissue and body fluid in animal and human body in preclinical and clinical trials by approaches such as anatomic and clinical pathology, toxicogenomics, carcinogenicity, and teratogenicity by multidisciplinary biomedical professionals including professionals expertise in microbiology, biotechnology, pathology, pharmacology, pharmacy and medicine. Considering these views, Insight Lab, a non-profit contract research organization, has been established under the department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at the University of Rajshahi to assess safety and efficacy of new drugs intended to be used in animals and humans.
Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences started its endeavor at the University of Rajshahi in 2004. The department offers multidisciplinary Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at the undergraduate level and Master of Science (Anatomy, Medicine, Microbiology, Theriogenology, Veterinary Pathology, Poultry Science, Physiology, Pharmacology), MPhil and PhD at postgraduate levels. The programs encompass anatomy of the animals, their feeding, breeding and hygienic managements, their physiology and racial characteristics, the pathology and treatment of their diseases and injuries, their relation to man with regard to inter-communicable maladies and to the use of their flesh and products. The department possesses academic and research laboratories, Veterinary teaching hospital and research center, farm houses (cattle, goat/sheep, chickens, duck) and experimental animal facilities. The department has research collaboration with national and international organizations/institutes/universities.
The Insight Lab is committed to provide highest quality of services to its valued clients for improving animal and human health.
Director, Insight lab