Proteome Sciences is undertaking the proteomics part of the Sens-it-iv project and has been awarded a grant of E571,000 over the period to 2010. This is an important program supported by the EU to improve safety for the consumer and the environment and also to achieve a reduction in the levels of animal testing. The consortium is made up from 32 members, largely academic, other than five SMEs and two major commercial partners, L’Oreal and Unilever.
In the EU, no ‘in-vitro’ tests or strategies are yet available to test the potential of chemical compounds or substances to induce allergies. By 2009, elements of products that come into contact with skin or the respiratory system (intentionally or unintentionally) have to be tested under EU law. Without the approved test disclosure, products will not be able to be sold in the EU.
Christopher Pearce, CEO of Proteome Sciences, said: “The goal of Sens-it-iv is to replace animal experimentation by in-vitro assays for skin and respiratory responses in relation to the use of safe ingredients by the chemical, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, to comply with the new EU legislation for classification and labeling of chemicals and risk assessment.”