Cosmetics Europe throws support behind Proteome

European industry body Cosmetics Europe has pledged to financially back Proteome Sciences and the development of SensiDerm, its in-vitro method for testing key sensitisers/allergens as a replacement for animal testing in cosmetics.

Funding from Cosmetics Europe is expected to go towards the development, optimisation and standardisation of priority test for Sensi Derm. Cosmetics Europe has been a long standing partner of Proteome Sciences in the Sens-it-iv research initiative, an EU–funded project dedicated to developing in-vitro test strategies that could reduce or replace animal testing for sensitisation studies. Last month the EU introduced a ban on all animal testing of ingredients for cosmetics, although it is still looking to find animal-free solutions for assessing chemicals for skin sensitisation.

"We look forward to working with Cosmetics Europe to develop our SensiDerm multiplex tests commercially that will provide the means for companies to meet the EU requirement for non-animal testing for sensitisers in their products,” said Christopher Pearce, CEO of Proteome Sciences.