Quality assurance is a systematic process for checking various kinds of data generated during the course of a study and for reviewing study-related documents, such as final reports, to assure the quality and reliability of that study. At Life Science Laboratories, Ltd. (LSL), an in-house Quality Assurance Unit is available to assure the quality of your preclinical studies for regulatory applications.

The Guide to Quasi-drug and Cosmetic Regulations in Japan (2008) requires the use of Japanese people as participants in human patch tests.
In human patch tests, if changes in the skin appear, two possible causes are considered, i.e., primary skin irritation or allergic reaction.
Primary skin irritation is a non-allergic reaction the first time the skin is exposed to a test substance. It is known that primary skin irritation varies among racial groups.
Allergic reactions are excessive responses of pre-existing antibodies to the allergen (test substance) and may vary according to the environmental conditions such as atmosphere, water and dietary habits.

For test substances expected to be of low toxicity, a single dose level of 2000 mg/kg, a dose that is commonly recommended by various guidelines, is used for single oral dose toxicity studies (1000 mg/kg is also acceptable in studies for SEK application).
If the toxic dose level is below 2000 mg/kg, the test substance is administered in graduating doses, and the dose levels are selected according to the OECD Guideline TG 420 “Fixed dose procedure”.

Study methods vary depending on whether or not intracutaneous administration is feasible according to the form, etc. of the test substance (sample).
Please note that test results obtained using the Buehler method cannot be used to obtain an SEK mark.

The following 5 bacterial strains are used in Ames tests. Tests are available using a minimum of one bacterial strain.

The following are a rough guide of sample volumes:
※Please note that these are just rough values. Please feel free to inquire about other studies.

A sample volume required for a pharmacology/efficacy study is determined according to the duration of that study and number of animals used.
The required volume will be notified at preparation of the protocol.

The safety of antibacterial finished products is considered to be acceptable if the finishing agents used for the products meet the safety standards of the JTETC and the concentrations of the agents used are below safety-assured levels (below 1/2 the safety-assured levels if diluted agents are used for safety evaluation). Only when safety of the products cannot be confirmed by evaluation of antibacterial finishing agents used, such antibacterial finished products are used to evaluate the safety.
The following 4 test items are used for evaluation of the safety of finishing agents:

１．Acute oral toxicity test

The test substance is administered once orally to rats or mice. The LD50 value (or approximate lethal dose) is calculated based on the mortality rate. The value should be 2000 mg/kg or greater.

２．Primary skin irritation test

The test substance is applied to rabbit skin and the skin reactions are evaluated. There should be no or only mild irritation, indicated by a Primary Irritation Index (PII) of 0-2.

３．Mutagenicity test

In Ames test using bacteria, the results should be negative (no mutagenicity). Chromosomal aberration and micronucleus tests are conducted if necessary.

４．Skin sensitization test

Tests are conducted using the adjuvant and patch test method or maximization test method and the results should be negative.

The test duration is shortened to the extent possible.
If the results are required early, an interim or flash report can be prepared.

Study reports are available at the end of each study.

Yes, of course. Please feel free to consult us.

In principle, test substances are not disposed of at Life Science Laboratories, Ltd. You may choose to have test substances returned after study completion or stored for an agreed period at an additional cost (see the study request form). After termination of the storage period, we will contact you so you can again select Return or Extension of storage (fees apply).

Since IOP varies with the use of an anesthetic, accurate IOP may not be obtained under anesthesia.

At least 3 animals per group are required. However, using the minimum number of animals (3 animals/group) only a trend may be obtained.