Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, is a recurrent inflammatory skin disease that affects children in particular. It is due to an epidermal barrier dysfunction and to a hypersensitivity to environmental factors. Since the 2000s, the discovery of a preventive treatment for this severe dermatosis has been a special line of research in the pharmaceutical and dermocosmetics industry.
Atopic dermatitis: in vitro models and assays
Using its long-standing expertise in skin inflammation and in in vitro models, QIMA Life Sciences initiated a research program on atopic dermatitis several years ago. This program has made it possible for us to develop and validate predictive in vitro pharmacological assays in order to limit attrition in clinical trials.
The in vitro pharmacological assays listed below can be used for screening or evaluating potential modulators of atopic dermatitis (APIs, biosimilars, formulations, medical devices):
- Immune response (Th2/Th22 cytokine release, Ig production, etc.)
- Skin sensitization (basophil activation, histamine release, neuropeptide production, etc.)
- Activation of inflammatory response of keratinocytes or reconstructed epidermis
- Epidermal differentiation, skin integrity and lesions, barrier function and antimicrobial defenses
- Analysis of specific markers by immunoassays or Rt-qPCR-qPCR
Here are a few examples among all standard assays proposed by QIMA Life Sciences in the field of atopic dermatitis:
Atopic dermatitis: clinical bioanalysis
Analysis of lipids involved in the barrier function
Our company has developed ready-to-use non-invasive collection kits to analyze the lipids and biomarkers of the skin surface from your samples or from those of your clinical center.
The epidermal lipids involved in the barrier function of the epidermis (ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol) are removed using the SW Kit.
The analysis of these lipids makes it possible to evaluate the quality of the intercorneocyte cement involved in the barrier function of the epidermis and in the prevention of transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
These evaluations help support your claims about the efficacy of barrier products, protective products, moisturizers, etc.
Analysis of the components of the Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF)
The amino acids and minerals present on the surface of the skin are collected using the SW Kit:
- PCA / UCA (cis/trans) – (catabolites of filaggrin)
- Amino acids
- Urea, lactates
- Mineral elements: Ca, K, Na, Mg, Zn, etc.
The analysis of these compounds makes it possible to evaluate the impact of the NMF component on hydration balance.
These analysis help support your claims about the efficacy of hygroscopic products, barrier products, protective products, moisturizers, etc.
Analysis of markers of inflammation
The markers of inflammation are also analyzed from samples using the SW Kit (cytokines, cascade of fatty acids, PGE2).
Ceramide screening – LC/MS
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Damaged and healthy corneocytes – SEMX500
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PCA analysis – LC/UV
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Screening of inflammation markers
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