The present invention relates to a method of producing a non-human animal
model of hypertrophic scarring. This involves producing an incision in a
non-human animal and applying mechanical strain over the incision under
conditions effective to produce hypertrophic scarring, thereby producing
a non-human animal model of hypertrophic scarring. The present invention
also relates to a method of determining the efficacy of an agent for
prevention or treatment of a disease condition. This method involves
providing a non-human animal having an incision over which mechanical
strain is applied under conditions effective to produce hypertrophic
scarring, administering an agent to the incision, and determining whether
the agent is efficacious for prevention or treatment of a disease
condition. Also provided is a non-human animal model of hypertrophic
scarring. This involves a non-human animal having an incision over which
mechanical strain has been applied under conditions effective to produce
hypertrophic scarring.