About
CNS Contract Research Corp. (CNS|CRO) offers unique animal models that more accurately reflect the progression of neurological disorders in humans. Designed to be a preferred provider of pre-clinical contract research, our team functions as an independent extension of your pre-clinical process. CNS|CRO provides clients with focus, expertise, and a quality customer experience through services that are flexible, innovative, and tailored to client needs.
The CNS|CRO Advantage
Neurological disorders continue to be a large and growing problem, and the causes of many nervous system disorders are still not fully understood. Treatments often only help to alleviate symptoms and ‘standard’ animal models can be quite limited, with many replicating only one aspect of the disease process as identified in a minority of patients. Successful drug development programs require animal models that more faithfully replicate human neurological conditions, and provide reliable answers to client-relevant research questions.
Founded in 2009 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Neurodyn Life Sciences Inc., CNS|CRO has established itself as a specialized contract research organization focused on advancing drug discovery through central nervous system (CNS) animal models. The company operates as an industry client within the National Research Council of Canada’s state-of-the-art laboratories, situated adjacent to the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island. This prime location fosters synergistic collaborations with one of Canada’s foremost veterinary institutions and provides direct access to the Canadian Government’s cutting-edge research infrastructure, creating an ecosystem optimized for translational neuroscience research.
CNS|CRO’s core expertise lies in developing and validating highly predictive animal models that accurately recapitulate complex neurological disorders with a portfolio that includes rigorously characterized models for CNS indications such as Alzheimer’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), epilepsy, schizophrenia, ischemic stroke and neonatal hypoxia-ischemia. Beyond animal model offerings, CNS|CRO’s comprehensive preclinical services include extensive behavioral testing paradigms, histopathological analyses, and specialized ultrasonic and electrophysiologic evaluation techniques—all designed to generate clinically relevant data for efficient evaluation of novel therapeutic candidates. Client-tailored models and services optimize development timelines and costs while enhancing predictive validity for human outcomes, making CNS|CRO a pivotal partner for mitigating the unique challenges of CNS drug development.
Comprehensive Offerings
Models
CNS|CRO’s animal models provide accurate representation of human disease progression. The ability to evaluate candidates at various stages of disease development make many of these models ideal for identification of treatment effects throughout the pathogenic process. CNS|CRO also offers model customization and innovative add-on specialty platforms.
Model Offerings – PDF Downloads
Behavioural Testing
CNS|CRO offers comprehensive behavioural testing capabilities for in vivo research, featuring an extensive portfolio of validated assays. Our neuroscience specialists collaborate closely with clients, ensuring test batteries are aligned with specific research objectives and therapeutic areas. This includes strategic selection from our established protocols—such as Morris Water Maze for spatial learning, Open Field for anxiety-like behaviours, Rotarod for motor coordination, and Fear Conditioning for associative memory—while accommodating novel compound-specific requirements.
Beyond standardized paradigms, we offer protocol adaptation services where tests can be modified or combined with complementary techniques such as integrating behavioural assessments with ultrasonic recordings to allow evaluation of affective state.
All studies are properly blinded during data acquisition and analysis phases to eliminate bias. Final reports include both processed behavioural metrics (e.g., latency, path efficiency, freezing duration) and access to original video records for arms-length evaluation and transparency.
Behavioural Testing PDF
Histology
Neuropathology assessments are available for a variety of histology / immunohistochemistry targets.
For models that require volumetric analysis of damaged tissue, basic evaluations may be performed including 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC), hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), or cresyl violet staining. TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling) assays may be utilized to examine apoptotic activity. Fluoro-Jade B staining is available for assessment of degenerating neurons.
A variety of immunohistochemical (IHC) markers allow for investigation of activated microglia, astrocytes, neurons (new or existing), oligodendrocytes, myelin, proliferating cells, cellular connectivity, and more.
To provide the most relevant assessment regime, our experienced team would be happy to work with you to design an evaluation package tailored to meet your specific project requirements.
Histology PDF
The Learning – Performance Distinction
Learning is assessed by performance. However, performance is determined by factors other than learning alone, including opportunity, motivation, affective state, and sensory-motor capabilities. Understanding the impact of these multiple variables is critical for controlling confounds in neuroscience and behavioral research.
CNS|CRO’s expertise allows for:
- Disentanglement of Learning Components: Isolating memory encoding/retrieval processes from performance variables using controlled experimental designs
- Development of Tailored Paradigms: Protocols incorporating both established (e.g., Morris water maze, operant conditioning) and specialized behavioral paradigms to provide a comprehensive assessment of specific cognitive domains
- Optimized Assessment: Creating ecologically valid protocols to minimize performance confounds
Guiding this work is our leadership team—senior scientists with collective experience exceeding 70 years in behavioral neuroscience using scientifically rigorous approaches to evaluating learning mechanisms independent of performance artifacts.