The toxicity experts say its latest development, the ‘SenCeeTox assay’ is unique in that unlike other non-animal assays – and even certain animal-based ones, it can categorize chemicals according to their potency.
The recent phase of a validation study performed by an outside lab, the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO)’s Applied BIO & Molecular Systems (ABS), has confirmed its ability to elicit a sensitization reaction for all ten blinded compounds tested.
The exact sensitization potency has been predicted in a category for 9 out of the 10 compounds, classifying the 10th compound by only a one potency category difference.
CeeTox transferred the method for its latest assay to VITO-ABS’s laboratory in Belgium as part of a blinded ring-trial, which are used to ensure that one laboratory’s results can be successfully replicated in other laboratories.
How SenCeeTox predicts sensitization
The RHE skin model is said to accurately replicate barrier properties, and possess many of the key functional traits, signaling pathways and metabolic enzymes of normal human skin.
After incubation, the skin tissues are then tested to assess the cytotoxic effect and reactivity of the test substances as well as gene expression of key genes along the Nrf2/Keap1/ARE signaling pathway, the activation of which leads to skin sensitization.
The data are then analysed using a proprietary algorithm to predict the chemical’s likelihood of causing a human sensitization reaction.
Based on the promising results of this assay, further validation of this assay is set to be continued by Cosmetics Europe, after which will be submitted to the European Union Reference Laboratory for alternatives to animal testing (EURL ECVAM).
Other developments in this area...
Other recent work of CeeTox also includes the Cosmetics Products Panel or ‘C2P2’, a testing panel in the area of toxicity that the company says is a first in offering cosmetic finished goods and ingredients manufacturers a fast and affordable way to assess the risk in cosmetic finished products.
“It’s the first panel to be introduced that covers basic safety test requirements as well as putting all the information together so that the customer can submit a safety dossier as needed,” CEO Jim McKim told CosmeticsDesign.com USA.