When Luke Rosen's daughter was diagnosed with KIF1A—a rare, progressive neurological disorder—he didn't wait for answers. He and his wife built a community, launched a nonprofit, and became a driving force in rare disease research. In this episode, Luke shares how patient-led science accelerates treatments and reshapes what’s possible for families like his.

Show Notes 

Sounds of Science - N=1 Episode
Charles River | Rare Disease

Charles River | Rare Disease for Drug Discovery

Charles River | ASO Screening Services
Personalized ASO Provides Improvement for a Girl with KAND< an Ultra-rare Disease

SCA3: A Family Affair

Susannah's Superhero Story

Are we on the brink of a major shift in research? In this episode of Sounds of Science, Charles River experts challenge traditional approaches, exploring cutting-edge innovations that enhance animal welfare while driving scientific breakthroughs.

From revolutionary non-animal testing methods to advanced behavioral management strategies, we uncover how ethical care leads to better data and faster drug discovery. Tune in to discover how science, compassion, and innovation are shaping the next era of drug development.

Show Notes 

Animals in Research | 3Rs

Alternative Methods Advancement Project

CHARTER Program for Lab Animal Welfare

Advancing Responsible Science

Did you know that the first attempt at a cancer vaccine was all the way back in the 1800s? I am joined by Charles River experts Louise Brackenbury, Dan Rocca, and Mike Templin to discuss the fascinating science behind therapeutic cancer vaccines.

Clarification: Coley’s Toxin is not a vaccine in the traditional sense, but a compound developed by William Coley in the 19th century as a treatment for cancer, and is considered a precursor to modern cancer immunotherapy.

Spheroids are three dimensional cell models that can mimic some organs, tumors, and other biological systems for drug testing. Like organoids and organs-on-a-chip, spheroids are breaking in to drug development as a promising alternative to animal models. I am joined by Madhu Lal Nag, MBS PhD from the 3D in vitro model company InSphero, to discuss the development and future potential of these tiny cellular machines.

The agrochemical field has long relied on animal models to evaluate the safety and efficacy of substances, but there’s a growing demand to adopt new alternative methods (NAMs) that can further the industry while reducing the need for animal testing. However, questions remain as to their long-term viability.

Join Robert Landsiedel, Vice President of Experimental Toxicology and Ecology, and Susanne Kolle, Research Coordinator of Experimental Toxicology and Ecology at BASF, as they explain the benefits of NAMs, how they comply with the 3Rs principle, and the role collaboration is playing to push NAMs as a viable alternative to animals.

Show Notes

Alternative Methods

AMAP Strategic Partnerships

Animals in Research

Modernizing Drug Development

Agrochemical Testing Service for Approvals

Chemical Testing Services

Charles River Laboratories Announces Development of Nonclinical Virtual Control Groups with Sanofi to Reduce the Use of Animals

Charles River Laboratories, in Collaboration with MatTek Corporation, Awarded Grant from the Foundation for Chemistry Research and Initiatives to Advance Research Alternatives

How can genetic, geographic, and social considerations effect outcomes for Black women with cancer? To answer this question, I am joined this week by Dr. Lauren E. McCullough, Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the Rollins School of Public Health, and Julia Schueler, Research Director Therapeutic Area Lead Oncology for Charles River. Dr. McCullough is also one of the lead researchers for the American Cancer Society’s VOICES of Black Women initiative, which will track the health of participants over several years to gain insight into health considerations for Black women. For more information on how to enroll, please visit voices.cancer.org.

The N=1 Collaborative is changing the way we view drug development. Their specialty is creating customized therapies tailored to individual patients, paving the way for a unique approach that can leave long-lasting impacts on those with ultra-rare diseases.

Join us as Executive Director Hugh Hempel discusses the origins of N=1, the collaborative effort it takes to advance customized therapies down the pipeline, and what the future holds for the field of individualized medicine.

Show Notes

n=1 Collaborative

Rare Disease | Charles River

Rare Disease Research for Drug Development

Repurposing Drugs for Rare Disease

S4 E07: Free For Life: The Story of N-Lorem Foundation

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are launching a new era in drug development. By integrating these technologies, researchers can get their life-saving therapies to patients faster thanks to more accurate data and efficient processes.

Join us as Brian Roche, General Manager of Charles River’s integrated toxicology site in Kansas, as he discusses the advantages of using these advanced technologies, how their being leveraged across multiple platforms, and what role they play in shaping the future.

Show Notes

New Integrated Toxicology Site

Kansas Site

Unlocking the Promise of Integrated Toxicology: A Tour Through the Lab of the Future

Meeting at the Intersection of Technology and Scientific Innovation