The editors of the VSI ESTIV 2022 Key enabling non-animal technologies for research, education and testing

• Helena Kandarova
• Clive Roper
• Marketa Dvořáková

are happy to share that the first two papers were published online in July and will be followed soon by more publications, that are currently being processed by TIV.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the authors who chose this special issue as the platform for showcasing their valuable research. Additionally, we are immensely appreciative of the reviewers who have contributed their valuable insights towards enhancing the quality of the manuscripts. A special note of thanks is also due to the Editorial Office of TIV for their enduring collaboration with ESTIV.

Permanent link to the VSI ESTIV 2022: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/toxicology-in-vitro/special-issue/109JN2LPBBC

1. Parallel evaluation of alternative skin barrier models and excised human skin for dermal absorption studies in vitro
   Alec T. Salminen, Kelly J. Davis, Robert P. Felton, Nathania Nischal, … Luísa Camacho
   • Abstract: Skin permeation is a primary consideration in the safety assessment of cosmetic ingredients, topical drugs, and human users handling veterinary medicinal products. While excised human skin (EHS) remains the ‘gold standard’ for in vitro permeation testing (IVPT) studies, unreliable supply and high cost motivate the search for alternative skin barrier models. In this study, a standardized dermal absorption testing protocol was developed to evaluate the suitability of alternative skin barrier models to predict skin absorption in humans. Under this protocol, side-by-side assessments of a commercially available reconstructed human epidermis (RhE) model (EpiDerm-200-X, MatTek), a synthetic barrier membrane (Strat-M, Sigma-Aldrich), and EHS were performed. The skin barrier models were mounted on Franz diffusion cells and the permeation of caffeine, salicylic acid, and testosterone was quantified. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and histology of the biological models were also compared. EpiDerm-200-X exhibited native human epidermis-like morphology, including a characteristic stratum corneum, but had an elevated TEWL as compared to EHS. The mean 6 h cumulative permeation of a finite dose (6 nmol/cm²) of caffeine and testosterone was highest in EpiDerm-200-X, followed by EHS and Strat-M. Salicylic acid permeated most in EHS, followed by EpiDerm-200-X and Strat-M. Overall, evaluating novel alternative skin barrier models in the manner outlined herein has the potential to reduce the time from basic science discovery to regulatory impact.
     
2. Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease: Biological efficacy and toxicity aspects
   Jana Viskupicova, Petronela Rezbarikova, Lucia Kovacikova, Helena Kandarova, Magdalena Majekova
   • Abstract:The emergence of the highly contagious respiratory disease, COVID-19, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become a significant global public health concern. To combat this virus, researchers have focused on developing antiviral strategies that target specific viral components, such as the main protease (M^pro), which plays a crucial role in SARS-CoV-2 replication. While many compounds have been identified as potent inhibitors of M^pro, only a few have been translated into clinical use due to the potential risk-benefit trade-offs. Development of systemic inflammatory response and bacterial co-infection in patients belong to severe, frequent complications of COVID-19. In this context, we analysed available data on the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities of the SARS-CoV-2 M^pro inhibitors for possible implementation in the treatment of complicated and long COVID-19 cases. Synthetic feasibility and ADME properties were calculated and included for better characterisation of the compounds’ predicted toxicity. Analysis of the collected data resulted in several clusters pointing to the most prospective compounds for further study and design. The complete tables with collected data are attached in Supplementary material for use by other researchers.

ABOUT THE ESTIV 2022 Congress

The 21st International Congress on In Vitro Toxicology (ESTIV 2022) took place in Sitges near the city of Barcelona-Spain between November 21-25, 2022. The general theme of the congress was “Key enabling non-animal technologies for research, education and testing”. This slogan was fully reflected in the thematic sessions to which participants submitted their abstracts for oral or poster presentations. The ESTIV congress started with a pre-congress workshop on bridging across methods in the biosciences (BeAMS): the opportunity of COVID-19 organised jointly with the JRC. The scientific programme offered 15 scientific sessions, lunch sessions hosted by ILSI/ESTIV and JSAASE and a post-congress workshop organised by EPISKIN Academy. The ASPIS annual cluster meeting was a satellite activity open to the public and presented the latest research of the three H2020 consortia (ONTOX, PrecisionTox and RISKHUNT3R) focusing on New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). Please visit ESTIV 2022 Congress web page to obtain more information on the program and registration process. https://www.estiv.org/congress2022/

The registration and abstract submission for the ESTIV 2024 congress in Prague can be found here: https://www.estiv.org/congress2024/