New chip to replace lab mice

WASHINGTON – Technology allowing cosmetic makers to test for allergic reactions to their products without controversial animal trials is in the works and could be in use by next year.

The technology developed by Hurel Corp., with funding from cosmetics maker L’Oreal, is designed to replace tests on mice and guinea pigs used to predict skin reactions from drugs and cosmetics. The device uses laboratory-grown human skin cells to simulate the body’s allergic response to foreign chemicals. Preliminary experiments show promise, but rigorous tests are still needed to determine the technology’s accuracy.

The standard method for testing allergic reactions involves applying chemicals to the ears of mice, which are later killed and dissected for study.

North Brunswick, N.J.-based Hurel said today it hopes to eliminate the need for such tests, in an announcement with cosmetics giant L’Oreal, which provided funding for the test.

The product from Hurel consists of a glass chip with human skin cells and chemicals that simulate the body’s immune system. When a foreign substance is dropped onto the chip, the cells and chemicals interact to mimic the human body’s natural allergic response.

While the product is still in development, Hurel officials say a working prototype should be available by the second half of next year. In addition to cosmetics, the technology could be used to test household cleaners and pesticides.

Hurel Chief Executive Robert Freedman said it is too early to estimate the price or sales figures for the chip, but he pegs the market for a non-animal allergy test at $2 billion a year.

Like other companies in the cosmetics industry, L’Oreal is racing to develop alternatives for testing wrinkle creams and lipstick to comply with European Union laws. Regulators there have ordered companies to phase out animal skin testing by 2013.

L’Oreal has decreased its use of animal testing over the years, but still relies on the technique to test certain new chemicals.