DOST seeks to reduce animal testing
In hopes to reduce animal testing, the Department of Science and Technology-Business Innovation through Science and Technology (DOST-BIST), has funded a local pharmaceutical company for three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting on human skin.
The project "Three-dimensional Bioprinted Human Skin Equivalent," will enable Pharma GalenX Innovations, Inc. to develop its own human skin equivalents (HS) using a 3D bioprinting technology to be utilized for in vitro biocompatibility studies of topical formulations.
The DOST-BIST is set to provide a P10.75 million fund to Pharma GalenX Innovations, Inc. to obtain a 3D bioprinting technology.
“This BIST project will enable our Filipino scientists and researchers to do groundbreaking work, given the limitless potential of bioprinting,” DOST Secretary Fortunato "Boy" de la Pena.
“This project will have a profound impact on the commercial viability of these technologies and hopefully develop a better system for product testing," de la Pena added.
The DOST-BIST program aims to provide financial assistance to Filipino private companies for the acquisition of strategic and relevant technologies so they can undertake research and development.
“This is a very exciting time for our local industries as we have upgraded our R&D capabilities in drug discovery and development," DOST Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara added.
“3D printing addresses gaps in supply, safety and even provides an avenue for regenerative medicine. This signals great business potential to big pharmaceuticals and cosmetics companies," she furthered.
According to the Cruelty International report in 2015, an estimate of at least 192.1 million animals were used for scientific purposes worldwide. The figure includes experiments on animals to test safety, suitability and other properties such as biocompatibility of products used on human skin such as lotions, cosmetics, ointments, among others.
The DOST said the project addresses both the industry and academe's need for a local facility that conducts biocompatibility studies since most research samples are being sent abroad for this type of assay.
Product development turnaround time for GalenX will also be shortened since samples will no longer have to be shipped to other countries for analysis. This means a quicker turnaround time and cheaper operating costs for the local company.
The GalenX laboratory facility that will house the in vitro biocompatibility assays and the bioprinting of HSE will be the first in the country.