ABSTRACT
The choice of animal species in relation to non-clinical research should always be carefully considered and justified. Pigs, including minipigs, are considered good models for humans because the two species share some important characteristics. Anatomically, the cardiovascular system, the skin, the major part of the gastrointestinal tract, the nasal cavity, and the urogenital system all show a high degree of resemblance to humans. Also, similarities are often found in the metabolism of drugs and in physiological parameters.
