The GARD® technology.
A holistic approach
GARD®, Genomic Allergen Rapid Detection™, is an in vitro test platform developed with a holistic view, utilizing genomics and machine-learning technology to reflect the complex processes underlying an immune response, e.g. skin sensitization.
All the GARD tests are designed according to the same principle and are based on the analysis of a human cell’s total response when exposed to different substances.
Key elements
The GARD technology platform is comprised of four key elements: a biological cell system, a training dataset, a genomic biomarker signature and a prediction model.
High performance with human relevance
Traditional in vitro tests investigate only a few biomarkers and provide limited information to give reliable results. Animal tests provide much more information which, however, are not always human-relevant. By using a genomics-based approach with machine-learning technology, GARD combines the simplicity of in vitro methods and the biological intricacy of in vivo models.
This holistic approach contributes to improved accuracy and human relevance. For example, the predictive accuracy of animal tests for skin sensitization assessment is estimated from 70% to 75% while GARDskin has a predictive accuracy of over 90%.
Broad applicability
GARDskin works for a wide variety of test chemicals, with demonstrated applicability to evaluate “difficult-to-test” samples, including:
- Complex mixtures
- Indirectly acting haptens
- Lipophilic compounds
- Metal and metal salts
- Solid materials
- Surfactants