The test aims to replace the animal acute test OECD 423, in the form of an in vitro assay based on DNA alteration measurement on human cells like Hep G2 and keratinocytes.
Co-founder Christophe Furger told CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com; “Our aim is to identify new information available in the living cell and its value on health, cosmetics and the environment.”
The process
EvaTox is based on two cellular technology methods and consists in a series of toxicological parameters such as skin irritation and acute toxicity.
A cytotoxicity assay based on the alteration of nucleic acids and operated with DAP technology, the method is also suitable for all models of cells in culture adherent or suspension cell lines and eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells.
“Our approach reflects the determination to solve the current problems, with solutions that are more ethical, more informative, more reliable and less expensive”, adds Furger.
The assay relies on self-quenching properties of nucleic acid dyes and uses dequenching after photobleaching measurement.
MEIC and ACuteTox human data bases provided by Scandinavian poison units were used to establish a correlation between the test and human acute toxicity.
Urgency
With the 2013 ban looming, it will not be possible to conduct any acute toxicological studies on animals anymore. The development of in vitro alternative methods remains essential and urgent.
“Alternative methods dedicated to toxicity detection remain rare; particularly in the case of acute toxicity testing that measures the adverse effects occurring within a short time of administration of a single dose of a substance”, concludes Furger.