Skin Sensitization Testing: The Ascendancy of Non-Animal Methods

A century ago, toxicology was an empirical science identifying substance hazards in surrogate mammalian models. Over several decades, these models improved, evolved to reduce animal usage, and recently have begun the process of dispensing with animals entirely. However, despite good hazard identification, translation into adequately assessed risks human health often has presented challenges. Unfortunately, many skin sensitizers known produce contact allergy humans, being readily identified as such predictive assays, continue cause this adverse effect. Increasing rigour identification is inappropriate. Regulatory action only proven effective via complete bans individual substances. Since problem applies a broad range substances industry categories, since generic banning would be economic catastrophe, solution surprisingly simple—they should subject rigorous safety assessment, thereby managed accordingly. The ascendancy non-animal methods sensitization giving unparalleled opportunities which toxicologists, risk assessors, regulators can work concert achieve better outcome for protection than been delivered by vivo associated regulations that they are replacing.