Taiwan imports GM lab mice from mainland China

 Genetically modified lab mice from mainland China's Nanjing University are ready to contribute to biomedical research in Taiwan. (Courtesy of NARL) Publication Date：12/12/2012 Source： Taiwan Today Taiwan's National Applied Research Laboratories signed an agreement Dec. 11 with Nanjing University allowing the import of genetically modified lab mice from mainland China.The NARL noted that such mice were already available from Europe, the U.S., Australia and Japan, while their import from mainland China had been prohibited. Taiwan's global supply network for these laboratory rodents is now complete, the institute added.Genetically modified mice play a key role in biomedical research, especially in connecting laboratory experimentation with clinical applications, the NARL said, making them essential for research institutions and pharmaceutical plants.With the agreement, local researchers will be able to obtain the genetically modified lab mice they need for experimental work in translational medicine related to metabolic disorders, coronary blood vessels, obesity, diabetes, autoimmune diseases and Alzheimer's disease, the NARL said.The completion of Taiwan's linkage with the global supply network for genetically modified mice will bring more attention to Taiwan's original research and increase opportunities for collaboration, according to the NARL.Cryopreservation of mice embryos in its Rodent Model Resource Center helps safeguard research results, prevents redundant development of genetic modifications, and can save an estimated NT$35 million (US$1.2 million) annually in expenses from raising live mice, while sparing the lives of 20,000 lab mice and eliminating the need for 4,000 cages, the institute said.