The new test method involves artificial cornea tissue, similar to that of a human, which is cultivated with left over tissue from cornea transplants, and can be tested on an unlimited number of times. (image: Castaway in Scotland/flickr)
SEOUL, May 1 (Korea Bizwire) — A new method for testing possible eye irritation due to cosmetics ingredients that does not involve animal testing has been developed by the National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation (NIFDS), according to a statement from the institute on April 30. The NIFDS is preparing for the new test to be recognized by the OECD.
The new test method involves artificial cornea tissue, similar to that of a human, which is cultivated with left over tissue from cornea transplants, and can be tested on an unlimited number of times. The existing animal testing method involved the use of live rabbits.
The NIFDS said that unnecessary harm to animals could be prevented due to its newly developed method, which will help in the development of safer cosmetics as the new method enables an unlimited number of tests.
The new technique was published in the January issue of Archives of Toxicology.
By M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
