Systems Biology Initiative Plans Computer-Simulated Skin Model

March 25, 2013 | Bio-Modeling Systems (BMSystems) of France and Persistent Systems of India are launching a joint systems biology research and development initiative that will marry non-mathematical heuristic modeling with mathematical modeling designed to increase the success rates of drug discovery and formulation development by pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. A key deliverable of this joint initiative is the development of a predictive in silico or computer-simulated skin model that will help eliminate the need to use animals in contact allergy testing. The announcement follows the European Union’s ban on the import and sale of cosmetics containing ingredients tested on animals and offers the industry a highly effective and essential alternative. Press release [PDF]