RIFM To Present Skin Sensitization Research at ITCASS-ERGECD Meeting

Scientists form the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) will present new research at the joint meeting of the Immunotoxicology and Chemical Allergy Specialty Section (ITCASS) and the European Research Group on Experimental Contact Dermatitis (ERGECD), taking place April 16-17, 2026.

Isabelle Lee, PhD, manager, Human Health Science & Strategy, will present an analysis of the performance of the GARDskin dose response assay when applied to natural complex substances. These materials are widely recognized as difficult to evaluate, making them an important test case for New Approach Methodologies, animal-free methods used to assess safety. Her presentation focuses on how effectively the assay can characterize both hazard and potency based on preliminary findings.

Isabella Schember, PhD, scientist, Dermatotoxicology, will present work evaluating the SARA-ICE defined approach for predicting points of departure (PoDs) for skin sensitization. This approach integrates in vitro data. Preliminary results from fragrance ingredients show strong concordance with reference PoDs and generally conservative predictions, supporting SARA-ICE as a tool for quantitative risk assessment.

“Preliminary results from fragrance ingredients demonstrate strong concordance with reference PoDs, with generally conservative predictions.”

These presentations reflect continued work within RIFM to evaluate and apply integrated, non-animal methodologies to skin sensitization assessment.