Driving innovation in in vivo research for the salmon aquaculture industry

We assess vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and genetic resistance profiles to enhance fish health and support informed decision-making

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Disease Challenge Models

+ Info

The Challenge Room specializes in in vivo studies for evaluating the efficacy and safety of vaccines, pharmaceutical products, and additives with immunomodulatory effects in fish. These trials are essential to ensure that treatments effectively improve aquaculture health.

In addition, we offer detailed studies on genetic resistance profiles and other compounds aimed at strengthening fish resistance to diseases, thereby optimizing health and production programs in the salmon farming industry.

Cutting-edge facilities

Located within the Cargill Innovation Center (CIC) in Colaco, inaugurated in 2016, The Challenge Room operates in state-of-the-art facilities authorized to work with pathogens.

This provides an ideal environment for in vivo studies with excellent control of environmental and biosafety parameters.

The CIC’s advanced technology includes automated systems for influent and effluent treatment, as well as tanks equipped with automatic feeders, temperature, oxygen, and level sensors, along with emergency oxygen injection. The CIC allows precise control of up to six different combinations of salinity and temperature, ensuring optimal conditions and flexibility for each study.

How we work

01. Initial meeting with the client

The client contacts TCR, detailing their specific need.

04. Conducting the study

TCR is responsible for carrying out all stages, including fish tagging, vaccinations, feeding, tissue sampling, necropsies, among others.

02. Experimental design and protocols

Together with the client, we develop a study design and protocol that establish all activities, environmental parameters, and specific characteristics (fish, timelines, tanks, etc.).

05. Progress reports

During the course of the study, the client receives weekly reports outlining progress and any relevant events.

03. Fish acclimatization

Fish are received and acclimated to the specialized environmental conditions according to the challenge model applied.

06. Final report

Upon completion of the in vivo phase, a comprehensive final report is provided, including detailed results tables, necropsies, and additional analyses.

Meet Our Team

Experts with broad experience in in vivo research

Salmon injection procedure for in vivo infection challenge conducted by Vicente Castro

Vicente Castro (MSc, PhD)

As founder of The Challenge Room, he brings more than 12 years of experience in in vivo studies within the salmon farming industry. With expertise in pathogens such as SRS and PRV, he leads a team dedicated to innovation and delivering trustworthy results to clients.

Carmen Maldonado

With more than 13 years of experience conducting and supervising bioassays in salmonids, she specializes in disease challenge models, particularly sea lice (Caligus) studies, and is dedicated to innovation and providing dependable results for clients.

Contact

Cargill Innovation Center

Colaco, Región de Los Lagos

+569 7476 8105

vicente.castro@thechallengeroom.com

Guaranteed confidentiality

At TCR, confidentiality is paramount, protected by non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Rigorous protocols guarantee secure management of data and results, with transparency and trust as core principles.