Harnessing Zebrafish Models to Unlock the Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Natural Compounds

Zealife Institute designed a zebrafish-based study, investigating the anti-inflammatory effects of Quantec's bioactive whey protein complex and returned the results within three weeks. This enabled the client to prioritise their next steps for further development, faster and in a more cost-effective way.

INDUSTRY
Healthcare

CHALLENGE
Quantec needed a fast, reliable model to test if its bioactive whey protein complex (IDP® B422801) could reduce inflammation without causing toxicity. Traditional approaches were slow and expensive, making rapid product validation difficult.

RESULTS
Using Zealife’s zebrafish model, we showed:

  • Low doses of IDP® cut inflammation back to baseline.
  • High doses triggered toxicity.
  • Turmeric helped reduce toxicity, but didn’t lower inflammation.

These findings gave Quantec clear dose-response insights and de-risked their development pathway.

  • 10X

    Faster Insights In Weeks Not Months Or Years

  • 70%*

    Average Lower R&D cost

  • 95%*

    Reduction In Compound Use

  • 85%

    Zebrafish Genetic Similarity to humans

* compared to traditional rodent studies

Partnering with the Zealife Institute is helping transform how we work. Their cutting edge pre-clinical research strategies have significantly boosted our efficiency and validation timelines.
Rod Claycomb
Rod Claycomb
Co-Founder & Innovation Director @ Quantec

About Quantec

Quantec, founded in New Zealand in 2008, developed IDP® - a  whey protein complex extracted from milk made up of 50+ bioactive proteins, unlocking powerful immune support.

The Challenge

Chronic inflammation is a major driver of human disease. Quantec needed a fast, reliable, and cost-effective model to test whether its bioactive whey protein complex (IDP® B422801) could safely reduce inflammation — something traditional animal models could not deliver quickly enough.

The Solution

Zealife Institute deployed its zebrafish inflammation model. Treatments included varying doses and different formulations of IDP® B422801 with outcomes measured through live imaging of inflammatory activity

“Low doses of IDP® reduced inflammation to baseline — proving potency at the right concentration.”

The Results

Low-dose IDP® (0.2–1 µg/mL): significantly reduced inflammation to baseline.

These findings gave Quantec clear dose-response data, safety insights, and a validated preclinical pathway for product development.

“Zebrafish delivered actionable insights in weeks, giving Quantec a clear path to safe, effective formulation”