3D Tissue models, cultured from human cells in the laboratory, offer highly human-relevant, ethical and scientifically sound in vitro methods to predict product safety and efficacy.
It is widely accepted that in vitro 3D tissue models, also known as reconstructed human tissue models or human skin equivalents (HSE), provide excellent human-relevance for the safety and efficacy testing of chemicals, pharmaceuticals and skin care products. The living, metabolically active 3D tissue models are representative of human biology and physiology therefore provide reliable and reproducible predictive results for what will happen in real-life use scenarios.
Why choose tissue models?
Tissue models are an excellent way to study the responses of human tissues outside the human body. They represent how human cells grow and how they are affected by disease, injury and other assault such as chemicals and UV light.
Our experience and expertise in using human-derived 3D tissue models helps our clients to understand their products. It gives them the confidence to handle and formulate with them, the results provide evidence for claims substantiation, de-risking clinical studies, and avoiding unnecessary outdated animal-based testing.
We perform a range of in vitro 3D tissue models, and applications include:
Skin – reconstructed human epidermis
- Irritation
- Corrosion
- Photoxicity
- Mildness benchmarking
Eye – reconstructed human cornea-like epithelium
- Irritation
- Mildness benchmarking
Oral – cultured human-derived buccal cells
- Irritation
Gingival – cultured primary human gingival cells
- Irritation
Intestinal – 3D model of small intestine
- Irritation
Airway – mucociliary 3D tissue model
- Inhalation toxicity or lung irritation
Vaginal – epithelium model
- Irritation
The nature of the models we use allows for direct topical application test substances directly onto the tissue surface thereby simulating real-life exposure. All the models are designed to mimic the properties of the in vivo human equivalents as closely as possible.
Our experts have adapted several OECD TG methods to make them 100% animal-free, using zero animal serums or antibodies. We can adapt tests and create fully bespoke, customised programmes of testing to suit your needs.
Diseased- and wounded-skin models
It is also important to be able to study compromised skin using in vitro systems. Real patients in clinical trials with certain conditions may be more prone to adverse reaction, this pre-clinical screening can highlight potential issues early on.
In vitro psoriasis models are available which allow us to study the effects of therapeutic agents on tissue which has been stimulated with pro-inflammatory cytokines to mimic the skin of psoriasis patients.
HSEs can also be adapted to study wound repair in the human epithelium, simulating the events that occur during re-epithelialization and healing in human skin.
There’s really so much to like about these tissue models.
We’ve talked about the human-relevance they offer versus animal-testing, in fact they can completely negate the need for animal testing as part of a weight of evidence or integrated testing approach to safety assessment. We’ve seen that that they offer a ‘checkpoint’ before going into clinical in vivo human trials, potentially preventing adverse outcomes for trial members. But one final point to consider is a very practical one, these models represent a time- and cost-efficient way to screen and test the safety and efficacy of chemical, raw materials and consumer products.
To find out more and to learn how we can tailor these methods to meet your exact requirements please contact us via info@x-cellr8.com.
