If you're wondering what in the world drug studies in mice have to do with people, you're not alone. What's surprising to learn is that studying certain diseases and possible treatments in mice is relevant because we share a lot in common genetically.

Genetic Similarity

Humans and mice share at least 85% of their genes, with especially strong similarities in the genetic pathways that govern the nervous and immune systems. While primates are our closest genetic relatives, mice remain powerful research models because of these conserved biological systems. That makes mice a very good model for studying how we may react to the products being tested.

At the same time, scientists have also mapped the important differences between mice and humans. That knowledge helps researchers understand when mice are effective stand-ins for human testing—and when other models are needed.

Rapid Aging and Reproduction

Mice mature quickly, reaching sexual maturity at about 8 weeks and carrying a pregnancy to term in just 3 weeks. This rapid life cycle allows scientists to study heredity, genetics, and the effects of interventions across multiple generations far faster than in humans or primates.

Mouse Models for Other Diseases and Products

Mice have been used for decades to study cancer, Alzheimer’s, chronic pain, addiction and many other diseases and the drugs used to treat them. This provides a vast knowledgebase to inform new studies.

They may be little, but mice make a mighty contribution to human drug, food, disease and supplement testing.

Learn More:

Models of Pain in Rodents  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22244975/

Animal Models of Pain https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19259101/ 

Capturing Genetic Diversity  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6014709/