Dabur Research Foundation offers various in vitro or ex vivo models serving as alternatives to animal testing by focusing on the 3R’s principle.

Reduction- To minimize number of animals used.

Replacement- To minimize number of animals used.

Refinement- To minimize suffering and distress.

DRF offers these studies as per the regulatory guidelines.

In-vitro techniques use 2D and 3D cell cultures which mimic the human body conditions. Different assays that DRF undertakes include:

• In vitro Skin Corrosion: Skin corrosion refers to the production of irreversible damage to the skin manifested as visible necrosis through the epidermis and into the dermis, following the application of a test chemical [as defined by the United Nations (UN) Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)]. In vitro Skin Corrosion test is done using RHE (reconstructed human epidermis) method as per OECD guideline TG431.
• In vitro Skin Irritation: Skin irritation refers to the production of reversible damage to the skin occurring after exposure to a substance or mixture [as defined by the United Nations (UN) Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)]. In vitro Skin Corrosion test is done using RHE (reconstructed human epidermis) method as per OECD guideline TG439.
• HET-CAM (Hen’s Egg Test-Chorioallantoic Membrane) assay: This assay evaluates the potential ocular irritancy of a test substance as measured by its ability to induce toxicity in the chorioallantoic membrane of a chicken. Effects are measured by the onset of (1) haemorrhage; (2) coagulation; and (3) vessel lysis. These assessments are considered individually and then combined to derive a score, which is used to classify the irritancy level of the test substance.HET-CAM assay is done as per guideline- INVITTOX no 96, ICCVAM Recommended Test Method Protocol: Hen’s Egg Test- Chorioallantoic membrane (HET- CAM) Test Method.