SaferSkin™, a powerful new test for skin sensitisation

SaferSkin™ combines three of the top methods for ITS: the Bayesian Network approach, Multiple Regression Analysis and ‘2 out of 3‘ Weight of Evidence.

For decades, animal testing was the only method for testing the potential for skin sensitisation. Today, Integrated Testing Strategies (ITS) combining in silico computer models and in vitro data offer a much better way. In short, if a similar compound is already known to cause sensitisation, the computer model can predict the probability that a new compound could as well. Today, by combining in silico and in vitro technology, scientists can weed out risks before a compound reaches consumers.

Edelweiss Connect’s new SaferSkin™ app industrializes the ITS developed at Procter & Gamble (P&G) and other large consumer product companies for skin sensitivity*. In keeping with Edelweiss Connect’s track record in collaborative scientific communities, we initially worked with P&G to make their approach, designed to respond to that company’s particular needs, relevant to all researchers. In addition, we made SaferSkin™ user-friendly, free and open-access.

New technology, new paradigm

SaferSkin™ combines three of the top methods for ITS: the Bayesian Network approach, Multiple Regression Analysis and ‘2 out of 3‘ Weight of Evidence. “SaferSkin™ is like a legal team that brings in all the evidence, so the jury can reach a verdict they are confident about,” explains Dr. Barry Hardy, CEO, Edelweiss Connect.

To pack even more power into SaferSkin™, Edelweiss Connect partnered with Eurosafe, global suppliers of biological assays, to add genomics data from the Sens-IS assay. “Sens-IS is a leading assay on the market that is genomics-based and covers many key events in skin sensitisation,” explains Dr. Christophe Chesne, CEO of Eurosafe and Biopredic International.

“The promise of this combined expertise is what motivates Edelweiss Connect,” says Dr. Hardy. “We aim to be at the front of this paradigm change, helping companies reduce, refine and replace toxicology testing on animals and make sure their products are safe. We believe these two goals are complimentary.”

*doi: 10.1007/s00204-015-1634-2