Biovator and AstraZeneca join forces to launch a new alternative to animal testing

Biovator AB and AstraZeneca R&D have signed an agreement to cooperate on the development of an in vitro-test that identifies potential allergens.

Allergic reactions to compounds found in new pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and foods is a risk that needs to be discovered in advance. But until recently, this could only be determined by animal testing. For several years Biovator, often with support from AstraZeneca, has been refining an in Vitro method to take the place of expensive and ethically questionable animal testing. The new test is planned to be ready by 2009, which is also when the EU will forbid the use of animals in the determination of risk for allergic reactions.

“We’re definitely seeing a ground swell of enthusiasm and interest in our method as a substitute for conventional testing on animals,” says Biovator’s CEO, Stan Mikulowski. “Working together with AstraZeneca helps us exchange valuable skills and experience, and we see this as a crucial step in the creation of new products to meet the coming EU directives.”

“There is a significant need for this kind of test – in the pharmaceutical sector as well as other industries that are introducing new substances and compounds into the marketplace,” says Dr. Karin Cederbrant, head of AstraZeneca’s department of Immunotoxicology. “Taking part in the creation of dependable ways to eliminate the need for using live animals is totally in-line with our policy.”

Based in Stockholm, Sweden, Biovator AB is dedicated to the innovation of in vitro test methods for the predictive testing of allergic reactions. In addition to greatly reducing the need for animal testing, these methods are less expensive, faster and provide more reliable results for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food additive industries.

LinkMed’s ownership stake in Biovator is 46 percent.


For further information contact:
Ingemar Lagerlöf, CEO LinkMed, Tel +46 8 50 89 39 93 or ingemar.lagerlof@linkmed.se