This entry is submitted by Gloria Gamat, via Creative Reporter.The most reliable way of testing the allergenic potential of a chemical substance is through animal experimentation. However, the European Union wishes to gradually reduce the number of animals used in toxicity tests.

Sens-it-iv, an integrated European research project aims to develop alternative methods to animal testing in the area of allergy:

The ULP dermatochemistry laboratory, directed by Professor Jean-Pierre Lepoittevin, is the only chemistry laboratory taking part in the Sens-it-iv project. Its role (dedicated mostly to organic chemistry) will be to evaluate the chemical reactivity of different molecules and to study the reaction mechanisms between allergens (foreign substances capable of triggering an allergic reaction in the body) and cutaneous biomolecules (skin proteins).

The results from each partnering laboratory will be gathered and pooled together in order to determine the structure and action of each chemical substance using the technique of bioinformatic simulation to ascertain their toxicity without using the animal experimentation model.

Source: Innovations ReportAbout Gloria Gamat: Gloria is a proud single-mom to Raine (Rainier Brando: born 29 December 2002) and a Chemist. Gloria also blogs about motherhood at EMothersOnline and about life and travel in the Philippines at The Philippine Culture Blog and at Pinoy Travel Blog respectively.