In vitro testing laboratory XCellR8 has extended its licencing deal with Swedish firm SenzaGen for its animal-free Gard skin sensitisation test.
As part of the agreement, XCellR8 will market and sell Gard and perform tests at its laboratory in Daresbury, UK.
The test replaces animal serum, traditionally used as a nutrient solution in cell culture, with human serum, in order for brands to remove all animal components from the supply chain.
“Together with our clients, we are passionate about the vision of creating a more ethical testing industry, without animal testing and animal components,” said Carol Treasure, founder and CEO of XCellR8.
“Through this close collaboration with SenzaGen, XCellR8 has the exclusive opportunity to offer this accurate and innovative Gard test, free of animal components for skin sensitisation.”
XCellR8 works with a number of beauty brands, including The Body Shop and Lush, on testing for their cosmetic products.
Axel Sjöblad, SenzaGen’s CEO, added: “We are happy to deepen our collaboration with Carol Treasure and her team at XCellR8.
“By focusing on the use of the latest technology and new research results, they are contributing to the movement towards a more ethical and sustainable testing industry.
“Our collaboration has resulted in further development of an existing test, adding an offering to our portfolio, which is in line with our strategy and mission to offer the best animal-free test methods.”