This news update on the KeratinoSens Test is brought to you by Special Chem.
Cyprotex PLC, a specialist ADME-Tox Contract Research Organization (CRO), announces the launch of a new in vitro screening service for determining skin sensitization using the KeratinoSens™ test method. In February 2014, EURL ECVAM (European Union Reference Laboratory for Alternatives to Animal Testing) published its recommendation on the KeratinoSens™ assay for use within an integrated strategy for skin sensitization testing. The draft OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) test guidelines were released in May 2014 and Cyprotex has validated the assay based on these guidelines.
Establishing in vitro alternatives to animal testing is a key goal of the regulatory authorities especially in the cosmetics and personal care markets where there has been a ban on animal testing in many countries for these products. The KeratinoSens™ test method extends Cyprotex’s range of services in this segment. The Company now has a comprehensive panel of relevant in vitro methods for testing of skin and ocular irritation, skin corrosion, skin sensitization, skin absorption and phototoxicity which are available to our customers in the personal care/cosmetics, chemical and household products, and pharmaceutical industries.
A skin sensitizer is a substance that leads to an allergic response following skin contact. This can manifest itself as allergic contact dermatitis which is a major occupational and environmental disease. Skin sensitization is an important field of research for Cyprotex. As well as offering standard test methods such as the direct peptide reactivity assay (DPRA) and KeratinoSens™, CeeTox (acquired by Cyprotex in January 2014) developed the SenCeeTox® method which uses a multiparametric approach to evaluate skin sensitization within a 3D skin model. Cyprotex continue to develop and improve this technology and it is a popular approach for screening finished products such as creams or lotions and insoluble chemicals.
For more information on the KeratinoSens Test, please visit the Special Chem link above. Please contact Nexreg for Regulatory Services.
