Etisense at ScandLAS 2026: Enhancing Minipig Physiological Monitoring
We are delighted to announce that Etisense is back at Scand-LAS for the 2026 Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, from May 26-29, with a booth and a poster presentation. This event, focused on Science & Care, is a key meet for professionals in laboratory animal science.
Abstract Spotlight: Improving Large Mammal Safety Endpoints
Despite ICH M3(R2) guidelines encouraging 24-hour safety endpoints in toxicology studies, many researchers still rely on invasive implanted telemetry or short “snapshot” recordings due to the challenges of external equipment, such as unreliable sensor adhesion and equipment damage.
To address these challenges, our team introduced an improved external telemetry design as part of the EU-funded NHPIG project. Key features and results of this study include:
Integrated Design: The system features an ergonomic harness and an adjustable jacket with ECG electrodes and respiratory inductance bands woven directly into the fabric.
Enhanced Animal Welfare: The solution requires no shaving or overshirts, significantly improving animal comfort.
Versatile Fit: Only two jacket sizes are needed to fit minipigs ranging from 10 kg to 35 kg.
Robust Data Quality: Trial conducted at Charles River demonstrated stable, reproducible, and robust ECG and respiratory signals.
Proven Reliability: Minipigs showed 100% acceptance of the device with no equipment damage over 48 hours of fitting.
Continuous Monitoring: The device successfully captured 24-hour physiological profiles, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and activity levels.
Looking Ahead: The “iPig” Solution
The next steps for the NHPIG project involve integrating video tracking and testing in group-housed environments. The goal is to validate a comprehensive Digital Housing solution (iPig) that supports a shift toward continuous, non-invasive telemetry, enhancing both data relevance and animal welfare.
Acknowledgment: This project is supported by the Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking (IHI JU) under grant agreement No 101165643. The JU receives support from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program and COCIR, EFPIA, Vaccines Europe, EuropaBio and MedTech Europe and Breakthrough T1D and VeriSIM Life.
Visit our booth to meet Guillaume Volle and discuss how our surgery-free telemetry solutions can advance your research while supporting the 3Rs