Symrise and Cutech have founded Scoutech, a highly specialised biotechnology joint venture designed to provide screening services for cosmetic raw materials, cosmetic formulations, nutriceuticals and pharmaceuticals. The system will use cell and tissue-based screening assays to support the development of effective products for skin and hair care.
The two companies have been collaborating in the field of biotissue engineering since 2003, more recently developing a full thickness pig skin model (PSOCM) for use as a more reliable and economical alternative to artificial skin models. For the first time this powerful model is now available for contract screening. Cutech says that along with its existing screening tools, through SCoutech it can offer a broad range of screening assays in full compliance with the new EU cosmetics directive which gradually bans animal testing on personal care products.
“SCoutech considers screening to be much more than a mechanical activity done by sophisticated equipment,” says Paolo Pertile, president and ceo at Cutech. “Our test procedures are reliable and beyond ethical objection.”
Gabriele Vielhaber, vp innovation/R&D Life Essnetials, who is responsible for the Symrise side of the initiative, adds: “This joint venture offers our clients in the beauty and health industry sophisticated tools to test the efficacy and tolerability of their products, from individual ingredients all the way to finished products.”