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

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

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.

Rod Claycomb

Co-founder & Innovation Director @ Quantec

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.