“We can expect to see an immediate global shift away from using animals in skin sensitization tests.”
A ‘first-of-its kind’ toxicology test that could potentially save countless animals from suffering in experiments has been approved.
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has approved a three-pronged approach developed by BASF and the Swiss fragrance firm Givaudan.
The novel approach, which took the involved companies 10 years to develop, can replace current skin allergy tests using animals where their fur is shaved and a chemical is applied to their skin to provoke a series of “key events” collectively known as an adverse outcome pathway.
Explaining the process, Dr Robert Landsiedel, Vice President, Special Toxicology, BASF said: “To replace animal testing, one alternative method is not enough when it comes to skin sensitization.
“To assess skin sensitization, which is caused by a complex process in the organism, we need a combination of three methods.
“With the results from these three tests, scientists can predict whether a substance will cause an allergic reaction in humans.”
He added: “We have taken a big step forward. Now we can also use alternative methods to answer more complex toxicological questions without animal testing,”
Moreover, Dr Andreas Natsch, head of in vitro Molecular Screening at Givaudan added: “This strategy has a better predictivity for human allergy risks as compared to traditional animal testing.”
OECD approval
Since the testing strategy has been approved by OECD, all 38 member countries – including the UK, the US, and European Union member states – must accept the new approach for legally required chemical toxicity tests.
In the UK, hundreds and sometimes thousands of animals are used each year in skin allergy tests. Across the EU, more than 47,000 animals were used in these tests in just one year.
‘Global shift’
Julia Baines is the UK science policy manager for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. She said the multi-pronged approach is ‘truly groundbreaking’ since animals suffer from a variety of adverse effects such as swelling, blistering, and inflammation before they are killed and dissected.
She added that the non-animal testing approach means “we can expect to see an immediate global shift away from using animals in skin sensitization tests.”
Share this story: Skin allergy tests to go animal-free following ‘first-of-its-kind’ toxicology testing approval.
Lifestyle
Vegan culture, food, beauty & more
Is Tobey Maguire vegan? Here’s what we know
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 17th August 2023
Tobey Maguire often speaks about veganism and animal issues. Tobey Maguire, the actor best known for playing Spider-Man in the Sam Raimi trilogy, is a vegan. He has been a vegetarian since 1992 and became a vegan in 2009. A lifelong commitment to animal rights Maguire’s decision to go vegan was motivated by his love …
Continue reading “Is Tobey Maguire vegan? Here’s what we know”
Plant-based food jobs surge with 32% growth in just 3 months
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 17th August 2023
The number of open jobs advertised in the plant-based industry increased by almost a third from April to July 2023, GlobalData reported. The plant-based food industry is booming, and this is reflected in the number of job openings in the sector. According to data from GlobalData, the number of open jobs advertised in the plant-based …
Continue reading “Plant-based food jobs surge with 32% growth in just 3 months”
VEGAN MEMES
NEED A LAUGH?
QUIZZES
All the quizzes you love to binge!
QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert
- Marlon Farrugia
- 10th January 2020
How much vegan knowledge do you have stored away? Do you have to Google your way through a shopping trip, or do you have all the bad E-numbers memorised? Find out now with this quiz. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …
Continue reading “QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert”
QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 13th October 2019
Spook Season approaches. There will be ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and glucose. You need a costume, and you want to it to show off your personality, which means VEGAN. But what to choose? Take our quiz to find out your perfect outfit. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a …
Continue reading “QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?”
QUIZ: What kind of vegetable are you?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 26th September 2019
“If you were a vegetable, what kind would you be?” A question that has tormented humanity throughout the ages – until now. Read: QUIZ: If you score 19/20 on THIS quiz, you’re a Vegan God Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …