Test method is animal-free gamechanger
ASCI-TECH Daresbury biotech firm has declared a breakthrough in the field of animal-free testing.
XCellR8 said its trademarked Ocular Irritection uses a synthetic substitute to model the effects of chemicals on corneas – the clear outer part of the eye.
This provides an alternative to other testing methods such as bovine corneas or other animal matter obtained from a slaughterhouse.
Results can be returned in four weeks with a final Good Laboratory Practice-regulated report in six to eight weeks.
A Sci-Tech Daresbury spokesman said XCellR8 has been based at the science campus since 2013 and is devoted to animal-free safety and tests for the cosmetics, personal care and chemical industries.
He said the Irritection breakthrough was developed by InVitro International and XCellR8 is the first company in the UK to offer this method.
The Irritection technology was developed by InVitro International and XCELLR8 is the first company in the UK to offer this method (Ocular Irritection OECD 496).
Dr Carol Treasure, co-founder and chief executive of XCellR8, said: “The announcement of our new Ocular Irritection test is a major breakthrough for all of us who want to see a world without animal testing.
“Over recent years, the growing availability of in vitro testing services has been pivotal in preserving the lives of countless animals while simultaneously improving the accuracy and reliability of tests that humans rely on to be sure that products are safe.
“However, the ongoing use of animal components in most of these tests compromises their human relevance and can affect the reproducibility of results – a factor that has not been generally considered until relatively recently.
“That coupled with the increasing consumer demand for vegan goods means that our Ocular Irritection test is therefore a real game changer.
“This is a test completely free of animal products that does not compromise on quality or safety - what this means for a range of industries from personal care to chemicals is hugely exciting.”
John Downes, chief executive officer of Langtree and chairman of Sci-Tech Daresbury, said: “It’s testament to the expertise and dynamism of XCellR8 and the culture of innovation we’ve created on campus that such a landmark moment in animal safety has been created at Sci-Tech Daresbury.
“The Ocular Irritection(R) test is hugely important breakthrough at a time when how we treat the world around us, and our fellow inhabitants, has never been more important.
“It’s therefore a privilege for the campus to support XCellR8 on this latest stage of its very exciting journey.”