Leo Pharma create cloned pig for dermatological research

Leo Pharma has allied with Aarhus University to create a cloned mini pig with the potential to revolutionise dermatological research.

The animal is the world's first transgenic pig with a genetic predisposition to psoriasis, meaning it will prove ideal for studying not only this condition, but also other skin diseases such as eczema and skin cancer.

It is the culmination of a 6.4 million euro (5.53 million pounds) research project called Pigs and Health, with the breakthrough being achieved through the use of a new technique called handmade cloning.

Following this groundbreaking development, researchers will now be aiming to standardise the animal model, which is expected to take around two years.

Thomas Kongstad Petersen, director of preclinical development at Leo Pharma, said: "We strongly believe that this animal will play a significant role in our future drug research and help us radically improve treatment for people with skin diseases."

Earlier this month, the pharmaceutical company announced that it has applied for European regulatory approval of Picato gel, a treatment for actinic keratoses on the face, scalp and body.