One of Sweden’s most famous influencers, Margaux Dietz, has visited SenzaGen in Lund.
With support from the EU, SenzaGen has developed the world’s first animal-free test for respiratory allergies making our daily products safer. Margaux put a lab coat on and got to allergy test her own shampoo. Now, Margaux knows that the EU investments in innovations make a difference in everyday life.
Wiley Online Library, First published: 21 April 2019, https://doi.org/10.1111/cod.13294.
Renato I. de Ávila Danillo F. M. C. Veloso Gabriel C. Teixeira Thaisângela L. Rodrigues Tim Lindberg Malin Lindstedt Simone G. Fonseca Eliana M. Lima Marize C. Valadares
Abstract
Background
Allergic contact dermatitis reported to henna‐based hair coloring products (HPs) has been associated with adulteration of henna with p‐phenylenediamine (PPD).
Objectives
To develop a testing approach based on in vitro techniques that address key events within the skin sensitization adverse outcome pathway to evaluate allergenic potential of HPs.
Methods
The following in vitro assays were used to test the sensitizing capacity of hair dye ingredients: micro‐direct peptide reactivity assay (mDPRA); HaCaT keratinocytes‐associated IL‐18 assay; U937 cell line activation test (USENS)/IL‐8 levels; blood monocyte‐derived dendritic cell test; genomic allergen rapid detection (GARD skin). Those techniques with better human concordance were selected to evaluate the allergenic potential of ten HPs.
Results
Contrasting to the label’s information, chromatographic analyses identified PPD in all products. The main henna biomarker, lawsone, was not detected in one of 10 the products. Among the techniques evaluated by testing HDIs, mDPRA, IL‐18 assay, GARD skin and U‐SENS correlated better with human classification (concordances 91.7 to 100%) and were superior to the animal testing (concordance 78.5%). Thus, these assays were used to evaluate HPs, which were classified as skin sensitizers using different two‐out‐of‐three approaches.
Conclusions
Our findings highlight toxicological consequences and risks associated of the undisclosed use of PPD in henna‐based “natural” “real‐life” products.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
To replace a test animal, which is clearly a complex system with blood and organs, you need a more holistic approach to model the entire allergic response within the body. Our CEO Anki Malmborg Hager explains the benefits of using alternative testing methods to prove product safety in this week’s Manufacturing Chemist.
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2019, 20(3), 666; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20030666
Gunilla Grundström and Carl A.K. Borrebaeck
There is an increasing demand for alternative in vitro methods to replace animal testing, and, to succeed, new methods are required to be at least as accurate as existing in vivo tests. However, skin sensitization is a complex process requiring coordinated and tightly regulated interactions between a variety of cells and molecules. Consequently, there is considerable difficulty in reproducing this level of biological complexity in vitro, and as a result the development of non-animal methods has posed a major challenge. However, with the use of a relevant biological system, the high information content of whole genome expression, and comprehensive bioinformatics, assays for most complex biological processes can be achieved. We propose that the Genomic Allergen Rapid Detection (GARD™) assay, developed to create a holistic data-driven in vitro model with high informational content, could be such an example. Based on the genomic expression of a mature human dendritic cell line and state-of-the-art machine learning techniques, GARD™ can today accurately predict skin sensitizers and correctly categorize skin sensitizing potency. Consequently, by utilizing advanced processing tools in combination with high information genomic or proteomic data, we can take the next step toward alternative methods with the same predictive accuracy as today’s in vivo methods—and beyond.
genomics; machine learning; skin sensitization; adverse outcome pathways; next generation in vitro tests
On December 4-5, SenzaGen was attending BioFIT in Lille, France. BioFIT is a business development meeting with focus on early stage innovations including pre-clinical stage assets. We met with CROs and life science companies from all over Europe in search of screening tools at pre-clinical stage. Read more about Biofit here: https://www.biofit-event.com
SenzaGen is attending the Society of Toxicology (STC) of Canada’s 50th Annual Symposium, on December 10-12 in Toronto, Canada. Joshua Schmidt, Business Development Director Americas at SenzaGen, will participate at the symposium and present the poster: GARD – Assessing Skin and Respiratory Sensitizers in vitro using a genomics-based platform.
STC is a non-profit association whose objectives are to promote the acquisition, facilitate the dissemination, and encourage the utilization of knowledge in the science of toxicology. They support continuing education and excellence in research through its Annual Symposium, which provides a venue for members and international experts to present the latest advances in experimental and regulatory toxicology.
To book a meeting, please email Joshua Schmidt at:
joshua.schmidt (a) senzagen.com
Hope to see you there!
For more information about the symposium, please visit:
Dr Andy Forreryd, scientist at SenzaGen, is one of three speakers at the Human Safety Seminar organised by Eurofins BioPharma Product Testing Munich where he will be presenting the GARD® platform for skin and respiratory sensitization. The seminar will be hosted on November 29 at the new laboratory and office building of Eurofins Munich, Robert-Koch-Straße 3a in Planegg near Munich, Germany.
The topics for the seminar are:
For more information and registration:
SenzaGen is attending the Biocompatibility Summit in Barcelona this week, on November 27-29. The summit will address updates and changes to the ISO 10993 standards and Biocompatibility for devices with a focus on Risk Mitigation, Chemical Characterisation and Practical Implementation.
Come meet our colleagues and specialists Rose Marie Jenvert, Medical Device Project Manager and Joshua Schmidt, Business Development Director – Americas there!
To book a meeting, please email them at:
rose-marie.jenvert (a) senzagen.com
joshua.schmidt (a) senzagen.com
SenzaGen is attending the SFT conference (Société Française de Toxicologie) in Lille, France, on November 27-28. The conference is the French Society of Toxicology’s annual meeting and SenzaGen is present with a poster: GARD® – Genomic Allergen Rapid Detection, In vitro Safety Assessment of Skin and Respiratory Sensitizers using a Genomics Based Platform. Our French distribution partner Eurosafe is also present with a booth where you can get more information about GARD® and about our collaboration with Eurosafe.
