Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) Models
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) Animal Models for Preclinical Drug Discovery
At Creative Bioarray, we offer comprehensive PAH animal model services to support mechanism studies, drug candidate screening, and preclinical efficacy evaluation. Our expertise spans classical toxic, hypoxia-driven, and severe clinically relevant models.
Key PAH animal models we routinely work with:
- Monocrotaline (MCT) model – classical toxic model
- Chronic hypoxia model – reversible vascular constriction model
- SU5416 + Hypoxia (SuHx) model – severe and clinically relevant remodeling
Our platform capabilities include:
- Mechanistic research: endothelial dysfunction, vascular remodeling, inflammation
- In vivo efficacy evaluation: pulmonary hemodynamics, right ventricular hypertrophy, vascular histology
- Drug candidate screening: anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, vasodilators, anti-fibrotic agents
- Translational support: fit-for-purpose model selection, endpoint integration, and study design optimization
Understanding Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive vascular disease marked by pulmonary artery remodeling, elevated vascular resistance, and right heart strain. Globally, it affects approximately 2–5 per 100,000 people, with around 192,000 estimated cases worldwide. PAH is more common in women, with a female-to-male ratio of approximately 4:1, and remains a life-threatening condition if untreated due to right heart failure.
The disease develops through multiple interacting mechanisms, including endothelial dysfunction, smooth muscle proliferation, immune-mediated inflammation, hypoxia-driven signaling, and metabolic alterations. These pathological changes contribute to vascular narrowing, increased pulmonary pressure, and ultimately right ventricular hypertrophy, making it essential to study both vascular and cardiac endpoints in preclinical models.
Fig. 1. Pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (Bisserier M, Janostiak R, et al., 2020).
Strategic Approach to PAH Animal Models
Selecting the right PAH animal model is critical for translational relevance. At Creative Bioarray, we do more than provide models: we align your compound's mechanism of action with the appropriate model, define study endpoints, and integrate hemodynamic, histological, and functional assessments.
Our strategy ensures:
- Efficient preclinical study design that reduces unnecessary experiments
- Interpretation of results within the context of clinical translation
- Flexibility to adjust dosing, combination therapy evaluation, and endpoint selection
- Reliable, reproducible data to support decision-making in drug development
This strategic approach guides clients toward the most informative fit-for-purpose PAH model, minimizing risk and optimizing resource utilization.
PAH Animal Model Comparison
| Model | Key Features | Advantages | Limitations | Suitable Drug Types / Study Focus |
| Monocrotaline (MCT) | Endothelial injury, inflammation, vascular remodeling, RV hypertrophy | Classical, reproducible, relatively fast | Does not fully replicate late-stage human PAH | Anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, early efficacy screening |
| Chronic Hypoxia | Hypoxia-induced vasoconstriction and moderate vascular remodeling | Simple, reversible, controlled | Remodeling mild, right heart effects limited | Vasodilators, hypoxia-pathway drugs, early mechanism studies |
| SU5416 + Hypoxia (SuHx) | VEGFR2 inhibition + hypoxia, severe neointimal lesions, RV damage | Closest to severe human PAH, clinically relevant | Complex, time-consuming, higher cost | Anti-remodeling, anti-fibrotic, severe PAH candidates |
Why Choose Creative Bioarray's PHA Models
Comprehensive model portfolio
We cover industry-standard and advanced PAH models (MCT, Hypoxia, SuHx) tailored for different research objectives.
Combined Endpoint Analysis
We offer hemodynamics, histology, RV function and molecular markers so you can have all of your endpoints analyzed under one roof.
Preclinical Team with PAH Expertise
Our team has years of experience with PAH modeling, conducting these studies, and interpreting the results to ensure you get reproducible and decision-ready data.
Customizable Studies
Studies can be modified to use different dosing schedules, test combination therapies, and perform multiparameter analysis to suit your needs.
Partner With Us
Choosing Creative Bioarray ensures that your PAH preclinical study is not just a model experiment, but a strategic step in your drug development journey.
Contact UsReference
- Bisserier M, Janostiak R, et al. Targeting epigenetic mechanisms as an emerging therapeutic strategy in pulmonary hypertension disease. Vasc Biol. 2020. 2(1):R17-R34.