Henkel closed the acquisition of the skin model technology from SkinInVitro GmbH, located in Troisdorf, Germany, effective 2 November. The closing was preceded by an extended and successful technology transfer phase, which guarantees the epiCS production at unchanged high quality.
Henkel acquires epiCS Skin Model Technology
The epiCS skin models will be manufactured as of now in the Henkel laboratories in Düsseldorf, Germany, under the Phenion brand.The epiCS technology comprises, beside others, reconstructed human epidermal equivalents, which are officially approved by the OECD for assessing the skin-corrosive potential (OECD TG 431) and, since April 2019, also the skin-irritating potential of chemicals (OECD TG 439).
Under its brand Phenion, Henkel provides biotechnologically constructed skin models to interested contract research organisations and research institutes. With the Phenion skin models, the company offers alternative in vitro test systems which can be used not only for basic research in dermatology and cosmetic sciences, but also for the safety assessment of raw materials and finished products.
Dr Dirk Petersohn, responsible for the Phenion brand at Henkel Beauty Care, said: “With this acquisition we are strengthening our existing product portfolio in the field of reconstructed human tissue models. With the epiCS technology we can now offer our clients tissue models which are well-suited and regulatory accepted for analysing the skin-corrosive and irritating potential of substances … We are looking forward to integrating the SkinInVitro team in order to expedite together the development and distribution of alternative test methods.”
Horst W. Fuchs, founder and owner of SkinInVitro GmbH, added: “I am pleased that our more than 20 years of experience in technology development will be continued at Henkel. It is a unique chance for the team to become an integral part of the globally acting Henkel company and to integrate its expertise in respect of the epiCS technology.”