Fiscal Year:
2001
Title:
Alternative Photosensitization Assay in the Mouse
Agency:
HHS
Contract:
N/A
Award Amount:
$99,999.00
Abstract:
DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This proposal, "Alternative
Photosensitization Assay in the Mouse (Photo-LLNA)," is an alternative animal
test designed to identify substances with immunotoxic properties. There has
evolved an industry demand and a governmental mandate to develop alternative
toxicity tests that refer, reduce, or replace the use of animal models. Due to
increasing concerns over the photoallergic (photosensitizing) properties of
chemicals, there is an increasing need for rapid, cost-effective assays, which
can predict not only sensitization, but also photosensitization. The Local
Lymph Node Assay has proven to be a useful, sensitive model for detecting
sensitizers. The purpose of this proposal is to demonstrate the feasibility of
employing the LLNA, combined with UV irradiation, as a test system to identify
potential photosensitizers or photoirritants. Few papers have been published in
the literature using this model, thus this is a relatively novel application of
this test system. The choice of a mouse model has several advantages over
guinea pig tests, including the use of a known predictive mechanistic assay
system, which is rapid, cost-effective, and minimizes pain and distress to
animals. The Photo-LLNA Assay will provide a sensitive test system while; (1)
complying with the Animal Welfare Act by directly addressing the 3Rs; (2)
increasing the discriminating power and quality of data generated when compared
to existing methods; and (3) greatly reducing the costs associated with the use
of animals for photosensitization studies.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION:
MB Research will offer the service of an alternative photosensitization assay to members of the pharmaceutical, biotech, cosmetic, and chemical industry. A survey of our clients indicates there is an increassing demand for rapid and cost-effective photosensitization tests, as well as for mechanistic-based tests, which provide both qualitative and quantitative information. In addition, we believe that flow cytometry is underutilized in the toxicity-screening field and that this technology can be used to develop other commercially viable in vivo and vitro toxicity test at our company.
Principal Investigator:
George L. Degeorge
Small Business Information at Submission:
MB RESEARCH LABORATORIES, INC.
BOX 178, 1756 WENTZ RD SPINNERSTOWN, PA 18968
EIN/Tax ID:
232953302
DUNS:
N/A
Number of Employees:
N/A
Woman-Owned:
No
Minority-Owned:
No
HUBZone-Owned:
No