Page 151 - CW E-Magazine (22-4-2025)

Pharmaceuticals

BETTER ALTERNATIVE

Researchers from VIT and Austrian university develop

synthetic skin to replace animal testing in cosmetics

and pharma

Researchers from Graz University Systems at TU Graz, the choice of
of Technology (TU Graz) in Austria hydrogel was deliberate for its ability
and Vellore Institute of Technology to simulate the hydration and fl exibility
(VIT) are developing a synthetic ver- of actual human tissue.
sion of human skin using an advanced
3D bioprinting technique. The development team aims to
extend the life span of this bioengineered
Their breakthrough could signifi - skin to remain viable for two to three
cantly reduce, or even eliminate, the weeks, long enough to facilitate pro-
need for animal testing in the cosmetics duct testing. If successful, this model
and pharmaceutical industries. other foreign substances, opening the could become a new gold standard for
door to safer and more humane pro- safety testing in industries that have
The collaborative project involves duct testing protocols. long relied on animal trials.
layering a 3D-printed hydrogel – a
substance known for its high water The research was recently pub- While many countries have banned
content and compatibility with living lished in the open-access journal STAR or heavily restricted animal testing for
cells – with living human cells to mimic Protocols, where the scientists outlined beauty products, pharmaceutical test-
the structure and biological behaviour how the hydrogel provides optimal ing still relies on it in many regions.
of real human skin. conditions for cell growth and multi- The synthetic skin could offer an
plication, due to its moisture-rich envi- accurate, ethical, and scalable alter-
This synthetic skin is being engi- ronment. According to Professor Karin native, not just for cosmetics, but also
neered to react similarly to real skin Stana Kleinschek from the Institute of for drug testing and studies related to
when exposed to cosmetics, drugs, or Chemistry and Technology of Biobased wound healing.
QUALITY ISSUES

Glenmark, Sun Pharma, Zydus recall products in US

Indian drug makers – Glenmark, It is also recalling products like with epilepsy. New Jersey-based Sun
Sun Pharma and Zydus – are recalling Voriconazole tablets, Lacosamide tablets, Pharmaceutical Industries Inc. is re-
products in the US for manufacturing Frovatriptan succinate tablets and Rufi na- calling the affected lot due to ‘Cross
issues, the US Food and Drug Admini- mide tablets. The company initiated the Contamination’, the USFDA said. The
stration (USFDA) said in its latest Class II recall on March 13 this year. As company initiated the Class III re-
Enforcement Report. As per the US health per the USFDA, a Class-II recall is initi- call on March 4, 2025. The US health
regulator, Mumbai-based Glenmark is ated when the use of, or exposure to, a regulator said Zydus Pharmaceuticals
recalling over 25 products in the US violative product may lead to temporary (USA) Inc. is recalling 3,144 bottles
market due to current Good Manufac- or medically reversible health conse- of Chlorpromazine hydrochloride tab-
turing Practice (cGMP) deviations. quences, or when the likelihood of seri- lets, USP 10-mg, a medication used
New Jersey-based Glenmark Pharma- ous adverse health outcomes is minimal. to treat mental health conditions, like
ceuticals Inc is recalling affected schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The
lots of medications like Propafenone A US-based subsidiary of Sun Pharma drug fi rm is recalling the affected lot
hydrochloride extended-release capsules is recalling around 13,700 bottles of due to cGMP deviations, the USFDA
and Solifenacin succinate tablets in the Gabapentin capsules, a medication used said. The company initiated the Class II
US, the USFDA said. to treat and prevent seizures in people recall on April 3, 2025.

Chemical Weekly April 22, 2025 151

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