CORE

PLA

TFO

RMCO

RE P

LATF

ORM

BACKGROUND

SingHealth Experimental Medicine Centre (SEMC) operates comprehensive animal-based research facilities licensed by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) of Singapore. It is the �rst in Singapore to be fully accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International.

SEMC is currently the largest centre in Singapore capable of supporting research utilising both small and large animals. It supports a wide variety of animal models including, but not limited to, rodents, rabbits, pigs and Non-Human Primates (NHPs). The facilities operated by SEMC include purpose-built, state-of-the-art vivariums within the new Academia building and Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School on the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) Campus, and the National Large Animal Research Facility (NLARF) in Northwest Singapore.

SEMC commits to animal welfare by applying the 3Rs:

Replacement of animals with alternatives (computer models, cell cultures or other in-vitro technology)

Reduction of number of animals per study to the lowest necessary

Re�nement via methods compatible with animal welfare, including environmental enrichment, analgesia and less invasive procedures (endoscopy and bioimaging)

KEY OBJECTIVES

Provide resources and services enabling high quality research to bene�t patients

Comply with regulations and guidelines for the humane care and use of laboratory animals for continued licensure by the Singapore AVA and accreditation by AAALAC International

Support training for healthcare professionals to improve patient care quality

Provide training in the humane care and use of laboratory animals

MISSION STATEMENT

To provide quality services in support of biomedical research and training with adherence to the highest international standards for humane and ethical animal care and use.

We provide the following services:

Protocol development, coordination and logistics support

Basic and complex laboratory animal procedures

Animal care, maintenance and emergency treatment

Creation of novel animal models

Animal treatment and intervention

Bioimaging procedures

Research & Veterinary technical support

Veterinary diagnostics, including analysis of small-volume blood samples

Veterinary pathology support

Our facilities:

NOTEWORTHY ACHIEVEMENTS SUPPORTED BY SEMC

Novel approaches to cancer therapy have been developed, leading to �rst-in-man studies. Eg: Brachytherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma using a phosphorous 32 (32P) brachytherapy delivery device. (pSiOncology, Singapore General Hospital, National Cancer Centre Singapore)

Eye researchers working with SEMC have discovered and pioneered novel medical and surgical therapies to improve outcomes for patients su�ering from blinding corneal diseases. (Singapore Eye Research Institute)

Animal holding facilities (ABSL1 and ABSL2) for short- and long-term housing of a wide range of species

Specialist imaging equipment, including Micro-MRI/PET, Micro-CT/SPECT, digital C-arm �uoroscope ultrasound, Photoacoustic imaging and Xenogen machines (coming soon: 7T Micro-MRI, NHP-PET/CT)

Surgical and support equipment, including state-of-the-art anesthetic machines, vital signs monitors, electrocautery machines, and endoscopic surgery equipment

Sterile surgery Operating Theatre (OT), also available for surgical skills training

Microsurgery OT

NHP surgical suite

NHP behavioural observation rooms

Diagnostic laboratories, clinical chemistry and haematology, BSL2 and tissue-culture laboratories

Access to diagnostic laboratories at SGH and other specialty centres on SGH Campus

My experience of working successfully with SEMC has been instrumental in encouraging me to develop diabetes cell therapy further. This is via autologous primary bone marrow stromal cells – a cell type that is less invasively procured, readily expandable in-vitro and more likely to be adopted in clinical trials.

Prof Kon Oi LianPrincipal Investigator & Head, Division of Medical Sciences, National Cancer Centre Singapore

CORE STRENGTHS & SERVICES

A multi-faceted research facility located on SGH Campus

A key publicly-run source for large animal research, with the facilities and capabilities to support long-term large animal studies

Led by experienced specialist veterinarians

The content is correct at the time of printing.©2015 SingHealth O�ce of Research. All rights reserved.

SingHealth Experimental Medicine Centre (SEMC)

20 College Road,The Academia, Basement 1Singapore 169856

Tel: (+65) 6576 7041 Fax: (+65) 6221 8936Email: shs.semc@singhealth.com.sg

DIRECTOR’S BIO

Dr Bryan Ogden, Chief Veterinary O�cer for SingHealth, is Director of SingHealth Experimental Medicine Centre (SEMC) and the National Large Animal Research Facility (NLARF). He is a Diplomate in the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine with over 25 years of experience in supporting the humane care and use of animals in research and teaching. He is a member of Singapore's National Advisory Committee for Laboratory Animal Research (NACLAR) and a Council Member for AAALAC International.