Precision CNS Drug Delivery Starts with the Right CRO
Intrathecal catheterization is a critical technique in preclinical research, enabling direct administration of test articles into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). InVivoLabs connects clients with contract research organizations that specialize in this procedure, ensuring access to highly skilled professionals with a proven track record of success.
Our network includes CROs with extensive experience in both lumbar and cisterna magna intrathecal catheterization, as well as ICV drug administration, all in non-human primates. These experts utilize refined surgical techniques that minimize tissue trauma, optimize catheter placement, reduce test article loss, and enhance procedural success rates.
Why Reliable Catheterization Matters
Reliable intrathecal drug administration requires precise catheter placement, long-term catheter patency, and consistent CSF sampling. The CROs we work with have established best practices to maintain catheter function over extended study durations, ensuring reproducible pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data.
With advanced intraoperative verification techniques, our network of CROs achieves high procedural reliability. Their expertise in intrathecal drug delivery has led to exceptional success rates with minimal adverse effects, making them trusted partners in neurological and pain research studies.
Founder-Led Sourcing: Our founder is a preclinical surgeon with many years of hands-on intrathecal catheterization experience in non-human primates. This practitioner's perspective means we understand the realities of lumbar vs. cisterna magna access, CSF handling, catheter patency, and the trade-offs that impact your pharmacology readouts.
What We Evaluate for Your Protocol
That firsthand surgical experience is the lens we use to evaluate and source the best CRO for your specific protocol — from anesthesia plans and peri-op care to verification methods, dwell time requirements, and downstream bioanalysis needs.
- Lumbar & CM Access Approach selection guided by endpoint, anatomy, and access feasibility for your specific indication.
- Catheter Patency Best practices to minimize heme contamination and maintain reliable CSF sampling over extended durations.
- PK/PD Alignment Sampling schedules and volumes tuned to your exposure/response requirements and bioanalytical needs.
- Operational Fit We weigh facility readiness, surgeon experience, animal supply, and QA track records for each CRO candidate.
- ICV Integration Seamless integration with intracerebroventricular administration and imaging endpoints when your protocol requires it.
Whether you need intrathecal dosing only, serial CSF collection, or integration with ICV administration and imaging, we'll match you with CRO partners whose capabilities and SOPs map to your endpoints — reducing rework and accelerating decision-quality data.