Derphartox uses a number of in vitro and in vivo skin models to determine the safety and efficacy (disease models) of test chemicals. Where possible, human skin or cells are used as the test material, maximizing the chance that data will provide a useful indication of the effect of the test chemical in vivo. When human skin is not used we use pig skin as a validated and reliable alternative test matrix.
Disease models
Psoriasis:
Culture keratinocytes and fibroblasts isolated from psoriasis skin, psoriasis skin explant cultures, imiquimod mouse model, transplanted human skin model.
human mouse model of psoriasis
imiquimod mouse model of psoriasis
pubmed link for transplant psoriasis model
Dermatitis:
Oxazolone mouse ear model of a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction.
Pruritus:
Pruritus associated with the oxazolone model of a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction, chemical induced pruritus (e.g. histamine, bile acids, leukotriene B4, opioids).
pruritus research and drug evaluation model
pubmed link for pruritus model
Wound healing
Full thickness skin wounds:
Transplanted human skin, mouse models of normal and delayed wound healing (e.g. diabetes mouse).
Skin toxicology/risk assessment. In vitro/ex-vivo
Direct toxicity:
Isolated keratinocytes and fibroblasts from healthy and diseased skin, reconstituted skin equivalents.
Screening for irritants and dermal allergens:
Human Organotypic Skin Explant Cultures (HOSEC).
skin irritants and contact sensitizers evaluation model
pubmed link for in vitro model for detecting irritants/allergens