Metabolic disease models – db/db Mouse Model
Use the gold-standard db/db mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity in your preclinical research
Db/db Mouse Model Characteristics
The db/db mouse model (also referred to as Leprdb) is the most widely used rodent model for characterizing metabolic and histological effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) drugs. Due to spontaneous monogenic mutation in the leptin receptor, the db/db mouse model is characterized by severe obesity, hyperphagia, polyuria hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia. At InnoSer, we have additionally shown that the leptin-deficient db/db mice show specific deficits in learning and cognitive flexibility (e.g., via battery of behavioral tests such as Morris Water Maze or Spontaneous Behavior in the PhenoTyperTM Automated Home-Caging System), in line with previous research in this model.
The phenotypic characteristics make the db/db mouse model an ideal research tool for investigating efficacy of novel therapeutics in the setting of obesity, metabolic disorders, diabetic complications, and even T2DM-associated cognitive dysfunctions which is currently an emerging area of research in the metabolic disease field. Contact us today to discuss how this model can support your therapeutic development efforts.
✓ Studies are run using the homozygous leptin-deficient db/db (Leprdb) with heterozygous db+ (Leprdb/+) serving as controls.
✓ The model is characterized by severe obesity, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and hyperphagia.
✓ Mice show cognitive impairments.

As a preclinical metabolic CRO, InnoSer’s team delivers you with a range of high-quality in vivo models for key metabolic diseases with different associated risk factors and aetiologias. This selection allows you to test therapeutic efficacy to prevent or reverse insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, obesity type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and/or MAFLD/MASH (NASH/NAFLD). To study metabolic disease-associated cardiovascular complications and cardiac dysfunction, InnoSer recommends the use of the Western diet-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy rat model. Reach out to our team to discuss the most suitable model to answer your research questions.
Db/db Mouse Model Sample Data

The db/db mouse model represents a gold-standard mouse model for metabolic disease research.
Compared to the leptin-deficient heterozygous db+ mice, the db/db mice develop basal hyperglycemia, suitable model for studying efficacy of novel therapeutics on established diabetes.

The db/db mouse model represents a gold-standard mouse model for metabolic disease research.
Compared to the leptin-deficient heterozygous db+ mice, the db/db mice have significantly higher body weight suitable obesity.
Db/db Mouse Model Readouts
The People Behind Your Research
Yanick Fanton, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer
As Chief Science Officer at InnoSer, Yanick is responsible for all customer studies at InnoSer and takes care of the scientific and technical coordination.
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AAALAC Accreditation
InnoSer has earned the AAALAC accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to responsible animal care and use. AAALAC International is a nonprofit organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and assessment programs. Our accreditation is valid for three years, incl. 2023. Read more about the AAALAC accreditation programme here.
Animal Welfare
The 3Rs impact everything from policy and regulatory change to the development and uptake of new technologies and approaches. This is why InnoSer has ongoing commitment and monitoring of these processes. The steps we practice maximize our ability to replace, reduce and refine animal involvement and facilitate our commitment to these principles when it comes to research and drug development.
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