The Way Forward

An ECVAM panel made the following recommendations for the development of in vitro methods for the sensitization testing of cosmetics (ECVAM, 2005):

• Existing in vitro methods should be optimized and relevant endpoints for skin irritation identified
• EU research should be coordinated to develop a predictive test battery for full replacement of the animal test
• Guidance for the validation of the test battery is needed

For more on The Way Forward, please read the following invited commentary on skin sensitization testing:

• Skin Sensitization: What is it? Why is it important? What are the challenges? by Ian Kimber and G. Frank Gerberick
• Sens-it-iv: A Pathway Towards In Vitro Assessment of the Sensitising Potency of Proteins and Chemicals by Erwin L. Roggen
• Applying Non-Animal Approaches to the Assessment of Skin Sensitization by Emanuela Corsini