Addressing the need for animal free testing of human acute toxicity

XCellR8 Limited aims to offer the first completely animal-free, _in vitro_ test for human acute oral toxicity prediction, combining a strong scientific rationale with the ethical advantages of a non-animal approach.

In response to the critical need in the cosmetics sector for scientifically advanced, non-animal tests for acute toxicity, XCellR8 developed a Proof of Principle test to show that this could be achieved. Companies in the sector find themselves stuck between two contradictory regulations. XCellR8's test indicates that there is a way to resolve this gap and allow cosmetic companies to test new ingredients, not only to remove the need to test on animals but also to provide a more accurate test for human toxicity than traditional rodent models by utilising human-derived components.

An EC-funded feasibility study confirmed that in order to unlock the full market potential of the test, the predictive capacity and sector applicability should be expanded, significantly enhancing the commercial opportunity. Ingredient suppliers in a range of industries -- notably industrial chemicals, biocides and agrochemicals, and medical devices - expressed an interest in the test, citing similar contradictory regulations in their own sectors.

This Project will enable XCellR8 to develop a new, improved test with features that enhance its predictive capacity, and to ensure its applicability to a wider range of sectors, solidifying the commercial proposition. This will aid in establishing a UK-based SME, XCellR8, as a world leading company for the provision of non-animal technologies for the testing of human safety.