Following our post, Focus on eye irritation, published late last year, we are excited to announce our new regulatory in-vitro safety test, Ocular Irritection® (OECD TG 496). This macromolecular test method provides an equivalent level of scientific data and regulatory acceptance, but without using bovine corneas (BCOP OECD Test Guideline 437) or any other animal components. This is a GLP regulated test, 100% animal free, with test results available in just four weeks.
A more scientifically and ethically advanced approach
The use of bovine eyes from slaughterhouses has led to much debate about the status of this test as an animal replacement method, and it raises concerns for companies developing vegan products and consumers seeking out more sustainable and ethical products. Many companies will not commission or conduct the BCOP. Still, for chemical companies who need to comply with global regulations across a range of industry sectors, there has been little choice until now.
Ocular Irritection®, OECD TG 496, offers a more scientifically and ethically advanced approach for identifying chemicals inducing severe eye damage (UN GHS Category 1) and chemicals not requiring classification for eye irritation (UN GHS No Category). It works by modelling changes to corneal opacity and observing the effect of a test chemical on a macromolecular reagent matrix. The test can determine whether a substance causes severe eye damage and is a practical first step for a top-down or bottom-up approach to testing as defined in the OECD Guidance Document (GD) 263.
For any chemical ingredients or finished products manufacturer who needs to test the safety of their product for eye irritation, the Ocular Irritection® OECD TG 496 is the first step. This is a GLP regulated safety test, with audited draft report available in four weeks and the final GLP report available in two to four weeks. Total time from day of dosing to final GLP report is six to eight weeks.
To learn more please visit the Ocular Irritection® (OECD TG 496) page. You might also be interested in our short video showing a regulatory eye irritation test being conducted in our laboratory.
If you’d like to discuss how you can begin the process of eliminating animal components from your eye irritation testing strategy, fill in the form below and a member of our team will get in touch with you.
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