Animal Behavior Assessment Using Digital Technology | Use of Digital Technology

To develop a drug, compounds for new drug candidates initially undergo screening processes. Selected compounds are then thoroughly evaluated for their efficacy and safety profiles before proceeding to clinical studies. Animal studies, primarily using mice and rats, are conducted for safety and efficacy analysis. These studies are a crucial step in evaluating the efficacy and safety of drugs. Using laboratory animals allows for the monitoring of physiological responses similar to those in humans. Digital technology and AI makes animal behavior assessment more precise and efficient, significantly improving drug development process.

Maze Exploration Tests In Mice

A method to evaluate learning/memory in mice is the Barnes maze test, which analyzes maze exploration behavior. This test utilizes a circular board called the Barnes maze. One of the circular holes on the outer edge of the board is set as the goal. After a mouse learns the location of the goal, the rodent is placed back on the board to evaluate the time it takes to reach the goal. By using AI to track the mouse's movement trajectory, the process of reaching the goal can be evaluated in detail rather than simply the time it takes to complete the task. This method allows detailed behavioral analysis, such as whether the mouse took a long time searching for the goal or it remembered the location of the goal but failed to move quickly.

The trajectory of mouse behavior (left) and the result of AI-based analysis (right)

Evaluation of Rat Activity Levels

Evaluating rat activity levels is also important. Drug-induced changes in activity levels in animals are potentially related to side effects in humans, such as mental disorders, dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue. For this reason, conducting a thorough assessment on these changes before clinical studies is essential.

Although disruptions in the circadian rhythms of animals can only be detected through quantitative and longitudinal analysis using specialized devices and cages, the assessment of animal activity levels in general toxicity tests is often subjective and qualitative. Therefore, Eisai has focused on incorporating video analysis technologies into general toxicity tests and explored its application in the quantitative evaluation of animal activity levels.

Utilizing video analysis technology to measure activity levels in standard housing cages allows for simple and long-term quantitative behavioral evaluation. Further application of this technology for detecting other abnormal behaviors will enable the collection of more data on drug side effects.

Examples of Quantitative Assessments of Animal Activity

Conclusion

By utilizing technology and AI, the assessment of animal behavior can be enhanced, enabling more precise and efficient analysis while significantly improving the drug development process. This could potentially lead to the development of safer and more effective medications.