Joint venture to provide the industry with first heuristic model of skin cells

According to the companies, the initiative is the world’s first collaborative effort to encompass non-mathematical heuristic modeling with that of mathematical, to increase the success rates of drug discovery and formulation development in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

“Bio-Modeling Systems and Persistent Systems have come together to develop a much needed solution that will address the pharma and cosmetic industries’ need for predictive modeling of skin​,” says Persistent Systems managing director and CEO, Dr. Anand Deshpande.

Bridging the gap​

As aforementioned, the main point of the initiative is to develop a predictive in silico or computer simulated skin model that will help eliminate the need to use animals in contact allergy testing.

"Together we can bridge the gap and powerfully link complementary heuristic and mathematical modeling and look forward to addressing the industry’s challenges head-on with this powerful offering,​” ​says Bio-Modeling Systems CEO, Manuel Gea.

The venture will see biologists at Bio-Modeling Systems combine the outputs of its CADI proprietary heuristic modeling platform with a new software platform, 'Cell-in-Silico', developed by Persistent, which they say will be instrumental in developing the first heuristic model of skin cell interplay mechanisms to be enhanced through mathematical modelling. 

“Our scientists have pioneered heuristic biological modeling with their CADI platform. By coupling this with Persistent Systems’ strength in mathematical modeling and IT, we will develop a viable in silico alternative to animal testing​.”

Great timing ...​

The collaboration follows on the heels of the European Union’s ban on the import and sale of cosmetics containing ingredients tested on animals, and the companies reckon the venture will offer the industry a highly effective and essential alternative.

“For the first time ever, mechanistic modeling and dynamics engineering will be merged, bringing a whole new level of understanding to the multi-scale biological space, enabling us to develop a fully integrated, outstanding set of solutions to previously intractable biotechnological problems​,” concludes Dr. François Iris, CSO, Bio-Modeling Systems.