Case Study 1
Baxter Laboratories collaborates with Melbourne-based universities to create an Immune Balance Rating™ (IBR™) for topical Skin Care products.
Baxter Laboratories is the industry-partner, in a major Advanced Manufacturing CRC project with RMIT and Monash University. The research has resulted in the development of a series of in-vitro test methods for assessing immune response in respect of topically applied ingredients and formulations. More specifically, the research relates to a method for determining the potential for an immune system response, including the potential for hypoallergenicity, of topical ingredients, components and formulations. The tests are conducted on human skin cells and immune cells for their likelihood of eliciting an immune system response. Alterations in biomarkers are assessed and measured using a specific quantitative assay. The dose response profile of each test compound can be compared to known reference material. The patent-pending IBR rating comprises 5 criteria or “Product Indicators”. They are: Immunostimulation, Immunosuppression, Phototoxicity, Protection against UV Damage, Protection against UV Immunosupression.
The following table shows the five product indicators and the immune balance rating for topical ingredients, components or formulations using a system based on stars.
The benefits of this test procedure are numerous and include the potential to reduce or eliminate the need for animal testing, minimises formulation costs and optimises formulations and provides evidence-based (dose-response) information to support product claims.