Biovator and AstraZeneca to launch in-vitro test
Swedish company Biovator has teamed up with AstraZeneca r&d to develop an in-vitro test that identifies potential allergens in new pharmaceuticals.
Swedish company Biovator has teamed up with AstraZeneca r&d to develop an in-vitro test that identifies potential allergens in new pharmaceuticals.
The test's 2009 launch will fall in line with the proposed ban on animal testing of cosmetic ingredients or formulations in the EU, which until recently was the only way of determining allergic reactions to pharmaceutical compounds, cosmetics and food additives.
In addition to greatly reducing the need for animal testing, these in-vitro methods are claimed to be less expensive, faster and provide more reliable results, a spokesperson from Biovator said.
Dr Karin Cederbrant, head of AstraZeneca's department of immunotoxicology said: "There is a significant need for this kind of test - in the pharmaceutical sector as well as other industries that are introducing new substances and compounds into the marketplace.
"Taking part in the creation of dependable ways to eliminate the need for using live animals is totally in-line with our policy.'