---
title: "Harnessing Zebrafish Models to Unlock 
the Anti-Inflammatory Potential 
of Natural Compounds"
description: Harnessing Zebrafish Models to Unlock the Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Natural Compounds
---

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

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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: a) Low doses of IDP® cut inflammation back to baseline. b) High doses triggered toxicity c) Turmeric helped reduce toxicity, but didn’t lower inflammation. These findings gave Quantec clear dose-response insights and de-risked their development pathway.

[ www.zealifeinstitute.com ](https://www.zealifeinstitute.com/)

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

## Partnering with the Zealife Institute is helping to transform how we work. Their cutting-edge pre-clinical research strategies have significantly boosted our our efficiency and validation timelines.

![](https://48383199.fs1.hubspotusercontent-ap1.net/hubfs/48383199/w1200h800-6569643ae3f5b336b700ef86e64a49d3.avif)

Rod Claycomb

Co-founder & Innovation Director @ Quantec

![Quantec-IDP-Teaser-1024x683.jpg](https://info.aromanz.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Quantec-IDP-Teaser-1024x683.jpg.webp?width=1024&height=683&name=Quantec-IDP-Teaser-1024x683.jpg.webp)

## About Quantec

 Quantec, founded in New Zealand in 2008, developed IDP® from 50+ bioactive whey proteins in milk, unlocking powerful immune support. Building on this, they launched SynaQ® — customised bioactive proteins for targeted health needs.

## 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) and Turmeric could safely reduce inflammation — something traditional animal models could not deliver quickly enough.

## The Solution

Zealife Institute deployed its **zebrafish inflammation model**, exposing larvae to a toxin known to trigger NF-κB inflammatory pathways. Treatments included varying doses of IDP® B422801, Turmeric, and their combination, with outcomes measured through live imaging and quantified NF-κB activity.

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

## The Results

- **Low-dose IDP® (0.2–1 g/mL)**: significantly reduced inflammation to near-baseline.
- **High-dose IDP® (≥5 g/mL)**: caused toxicity and mortality.
- **Turmeric**: did not reduce inflammation, but protected against IDP® toxicity.

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.”

 

## Ready to get started?

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