Preclinical Drug Development
Preclinical drug development built for confident IND-enabling decisions.
For 80 years, Lovelace Biomedical has partnered with pharmaceutical, biotech, government, and academic innovators as a full-service, not-for-profit preclinical CRO — advancing novel therapies from discovery and proof-of-concept through IND-enabling toxicology, pharmacology, and bioanalytical programs.
The Lovelace Advantage
One scientific team, six disciplines, one roof.
Lovelace Biomedical is a full-service, not-for-profit preclinical CRO advancing novel therapies from discovery and proof-of-concept through IND-enabling studies. We partner with pharmaceutical, biotech, government, and academic innovators as true collaborators — focused on scientific impact, not stock price.
- Full spectrum IND support, non-GLP through GLP
- Custom solutions for complex, off-the-shelf-defying science
- Deep translational expertise across 100+ disease models
- Agile by design — fast proposals, real-time study adaptation
- Non-profit, mission-driven leadership — not shareholder pressure
- True scientific partnership aligned with your goals
Formulation & dosing lab
Deep Experience, Powerful Capabilities
Six core disciplines. One integrated program.
Draw on individual capabilities or build a fully integrated preclinical package around a clear scientific and regulatory strategy — from first feasibility study to a submission-ready IND package.
Toxicology
80 years of exploratory to GLP-compliant regulatory toxicology across small and large species, with on-site QA and continuous GLP compliance since 1984.
Bioanalytical/Biomarker & Analytical Chemistry
Method development, validation, and sample analysis with specialized laboratory support for regulated and exploratory programs alike.
Formulation & Dosing
Simple to complex formulations enabling IV, IM, inhalation, intrathecal, intracerebral, ocular, and other specialized administration routes.
PK/TK & Biodistribution
Comprehensive characterization including radiolabeling, metabolite tracking, and modeling to connect exposure to safety and efficacy findings.
Pharmacology
Expertise in 100+ animal models spanning respiratory, CNS, infectious disease, radiation injury, and other therapeutic areas.
Animal Welfare
Extensive vivarium capacity supporting short- and long-term housing for small and large species on one bio-secure campus.
The Development Pathway
From target to IND — mapped to where Lovelace adds the most value.
We start where discovery ends. Lovelace becomes your core scientific partner from bioanalytical and biomarker development through your completed IND-enabling package — while staying ready to provide guidance on earlier discovery-stage work when your program needs it.
Lovelace Biomedical's development pathway overview. Scroll to explore the full diagram →
Tackling Pharma's Biggest Challenges
Deep experience in the therapeutic areas that resist off-the-shelf models.
Decades of translational and disease-model expertise let us design studies for programs that don't fit standard preclinical playbooks.
Respiratory
Global leader in inhalation toxicology and aerosol science. Custom exposure systems across asthma, COPD, acute lung injury, and inhaled therapeutics.
Infectious Disease
Complex, high-containment studies in ABSL-3-enhanced labs, aerosol challenge models, select-agent and high-containment expertise.
Gene-Cell Therapy
A decade of AAV/vector toxicology, 25+ NIH-supported IND-enabling studies, and advanced dosing expertise.
Neuroscience
Integrated behavioral research and advanced imaging through Mind Research Network collaboration.
Medical Countermeasures
CBRNE threat expertise and Animal Rule study support for programs with no traditional efficacy pathway.
Alternative Tobacco & Nicotine
25+ years studying health effects and public health impact of novel nicotine and tobacco products.
Inside the Facility
One bio-secure campus, built for multi-species preclinical science.
"All core capabilities under one roof — histopathology, clinical pathology, analytical & bioanalytical chemistry, microbiology & virology, cell & molecular biology, safety pharmacology, and toxicology — with embedded scientific leadership enabling rapid communication and execution."
- Facility footprint375,000+ sq ft
- Secure campus100+ acres, Kirtland AFB
- GLP complianceContinuous since 1984
- Professionals on-site250+, incl. 50+ PhDs/DVMs/MDs
- Animal rooms93, multi-species capability
- AccreditationAAALAC-accredited, OLAW-assured, USDA-registered
Animal housing & welfare ecosystem
Multi-Species Capability
Non-human primate, swine, sheep, dog, ferret, rat, guinea pig, rabbit, and rodent housing across 93 dedicated animal rooms (includes European style).
ABSL-3 High-Containment
10,000+ sq ft of enhanced containment space with multi-species support, fully GLP-compliant with on-site QA.
Fully Integrated On-Site Support
Surgical suites, clinical pathology, histopathology, and large & small animal necropsy, all under one roof.
Dedicated Animal Welfare Resources
A behavioral management program, lab animal medicine, and a specialty food-grade enrichment kitchen.
Guided by Purpose
A not-for-profit partner, built around scientific integrity.
Our mission shapes how every program is designed, staffed, and delivered — as a partner invested in your outcome, not a vendor billing by the hour.
Not-for-Profit, Science-First
Driven by science, quality, and integrity — not shareholder pressure or stock price.
Ethical Animal Welfare
Responsible, compliant animal care treated as a scientific and ethical priority, not a checkbox.
Scientific & Ethical Leadership
Integrity embedded in every study design, execution decision, and report we deliver.
Collaboration & Transparency
Open partnership as a cornerstone of every program, aligned with your goals from day one.
Powered by Our People
Multidisciplinary teams driving innovative, thoughtful, and impactful solutions for your program.
Frequently Asked
Questions programs ask before their first study.
Bring us your preclinical program.
Our scientific team can help shape an efficient, decision-driven plan for your next exploratory or IND-enabling study.