Preclinical Pharmacology Laboratory FCV-USS
Innovation, Development, and Scientific Potential
Located in the Universidad San Sebastián Science & Technology Park, the FCV/USS Preclinical Pharmacology Laboratory is a 523.85 m², state-of-the-art facility built to international standards—positioning it as a strategic hub within Chile’s scientific ecosystem. It supports essential preclinical operations and provides an environment for innovation, the development of new research lines, and advanced training.
Engineered for uninterrupted operation, the laboratory integrates cutting-edge equipment a climate-control system that is fully backed-up to maintain strictly controlled environmental conditions.
Its modular, flexible spaces are designed to meet current needs and anticipate future requirements across multiple biomedical disciplines.
More than an experimental support unit, the FCV/USS Preclinical Pharmacology Laboratory operates as a dynamic ecosystem for scientific innovation.
Its purpose-built design, adoption of modern technologies, commitment to animal ethics, and ongoing capacity-building make it a key platform for advancing frontier science in Chile—opening opportunities for new research avenues, training the next generation of investigators, and generating knowledge with national and international impact.
Innovation and Specialized Infrastructure
A cornerstone of the facility is its capacity to house and manage genetically modified mouse (murine) models under rigorously controlled conditions. It currently has over 4,500 animals, scalable to double of that. This infrastructure enables complex studies in pharmacology, immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and behavior, strengthening national biomedical research capacity.
Dedicated suites support quarantine, handling of immunodeficient strains, surgical procedures, behavioral testing (including a water maze), and breeding. A hydrogen peroxide plasma disinfection system for sensitive supplies, together with clearly segregated material and personnel flows, safeguards data integrity and animal welfare.
Staff: Advanced Human Capital
Our operations are led by highly specialized staff—certified technicians, trained assistants, and experienced leadership. The facility is directed by Dr. Sebastián Valenzuela, DVM, PhD (Biotechnology), whose national and international experience guides best practices.
The team also includes Micaela Ricca, MSc in Animal Science & Laboratory Animal Welfare, who has 30 years of field experience. We invest in the continuous development of our staff and offer tailored training for users and investigators.
Training covers core in vivo research competencies—aseptic technique and surgery, anesthesia/analgesia, humane endpoints and euthanasia, sample collection, and compound administration (e.g., IV, IP, SC, PO).
These programs ensure scientific rigor and strict compliance with Chilean Law 20.380 and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The facility works closely with the Universidad San Sebastián Ethics Committee on the Use of Animals in Research and Teaching (CECUA USS) to uphold ethical standards and animal welfare.
Potential for New Research Lines
Currently, the vivarium serves 20 investigators and supports 95 active users, functioning as a cross-cutting platform for diverse scientific programs.
Its specialized infrastructure—together with the capability to import distinctive murine models—enables new research lines in gene therapy, rare diseases, experimental vaccines, and translational medicine.
To expand capacity, we are developing and integrating assisted reproduction technologies (ART), building in-house capabilities, reducing external dependencies, and creating new services and knowledge that foster collaboration among researchers.
Continuous technical support and scientific consultation position the vivarium as a true hub where basic, applied, and clinical science converge.
Direct, responsive communication between our team and users sustains a collaborative workflow that enhances the quality and impact of the research conducted.
What do we do?
Maintaining genetic integrity in mouse colonies is essential for reproducible results. We provide expert guidance on strain selection, colony design, and quality control—advising on strain-specific characteristics and building tailored breeding strategies that protect study validity and timelines.
We commonly assist with:
Designing efficient breeding programs when establishing colonies from vendor founders.
Planning crosses to generate compound (double/triple) transgenic lines.
Verifying and maintaining the intended genetic background(s).
Choosing between congenic vs. non-congenic strategies and defining backcross plans.
Selecting appropriate control cohorts for specific experimental designs.
Preventing genetic drift and substrain divergence through planned breeding and periodic QC.
Our vivarium houses mice, rats, and rabbits in individually ventilated cages (IVCs), static micro-isolator cages, and open-top cages as appropriate. Enclosures are sanitized on a defined schedule—and ad hoc when needed—to maintain optimal hygiene. Animals receive purified, filtered water and species-specific diets, and they benefit from environmental enrichment that supports natural behaviors and welfare.
All cages are inspected daily to detect health issues early and to replenish food and water. When concerns arise, veterinary staff assess the animals, advise investigators, and implement solutions. Treatments and specialized husbandry can be provided upon request.
Use of drugs (e.g., antibiotics, anesthetics, tranquilizers, and analgesics) for specific research purposes
Treatment of sick animals
Surgical procedures and training
Developing experimental protocols
Determination of endpoint on animals in moribund state
Preventive medicine
Pain management
Handling
Blood Sampling
Administration of Substances
Anesthesia
Survival Surgery
Necropsy