Held under the auspices of the European Commission (DG SANTE), this new development intends to lead to the development of a new approach integrating non-animal data to assess the potency of skin sensitizers.
“I am keen to highlight one of the top priorities for the IDEA Project, the eventual integration of non-animal data in risk assessment, achieving at least the same level of confidence as with the LLNA (Local Lymph Node Assay) approach,” says Michael Carlos, Chairman of the IFRA Board.
“Having the express support and expertise of the JRC (Joint Research Centre) and the scientific community will help in achieving this ambitious challenge enhancing the safety of consumers.”
IDEA project
Over the last three years, the IDEA project has conducted eight workshops gathering over 40 scientific and medical experts from academia, clinics and research centres, including past and current Scientific Committee members as well as over 30 industry experts.
This multi-stakeholder project also achieved two key milestones which were reviewed at the latest meeting, which took place in Luxembourg at the end of last year.
IFRA states that the first of these milestones is the Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) for fragrance materials enhanced with an in-depth analysis of the Skin Sensitization Safety Factors and complemented with a thorough aggregate exposure model.
This QRA model, reviewed by the JRC, opens the way for Authorities and Industry to approach risk assessment of fragrance ingredients with a common tool, and should greatly contribute to the prevention of the induction of skin sensitization.
The second milestone is the advanced analytical work to better identify and understand the mechanism of pre- and pro-haptens, in the field of oxidation.
Beyond fragrance
Through these workshops, annual reviews, and dialogues, IFRA President Pierre Sivac says that further understanding and trust is built and that they should continue as they contribute to advancing consumer safety and well-being,” explained,.
“It has become evident that the IDEA project model may have applications beyond fragrance skin allergies linked to the use of cosmetic products,” he says.
“This could support a cross sectorial approach, addressing the societal concerns of citizens who look at consumer products as a whole and safety ‘at home’ as all inclusive.”