CTIBIOTECH™, a pioneering company in the development and production of biological tests on human tissues, has launched the innovative SAFESKIN3D Bioprinting project. CTIBIOTECH has formed a strategic partnership with Sanofi, which will serve as a “beta tester” and provide “expert feedback” to validate and refine the models. It has also secured a funding of €1 million for this project.
This ground-breaking initiative aims to create flexible 3D bioprinted human skin models that can predict the reactogenicity of vaccines, particularly the next generation of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines.
SAFESKIN3D Bioprinting Project
The project is touted as a “significant technological breakthrough” in vaccine development. It uses CTIBIOTECH’s 3D printing and human tissue engineering expertise to create advanced models of subcutaneous and intramuscular injection sites. This will allow pharmaceutical companies to predict the effects of mRNA vaccines, reducing reliance on animal testing.
The SAFESKIN3D project seeks to:
- Create sophisticated 3D human skin models, including the epidermis, dermis, hypodermis, and muscle layers.
- Integrate immune cells, sensory neurons, and vascular components to create a complete vaccine safety testing model.
- Reduce vaccine development costs and timelines.
- Reduce the need for animal experimentation.
CTIBIOTECH is investing €1 million in the project, supported by €500,000 from:
- Sanofi iDEA-TECH Award.
- Transforming SMEs through innovation: France 2030 Award.
- Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI Med4Cure Award).
“The SAFESKIN3D project is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in making human tissues. By developing advanced 3D bioprinted skin models, we not only enhance the safety and efficacy of new vaccines but also pave the way for more ethical and sustainable research practices.”
– Professor Colin McGuckin, President & Chief Innovation Officer of CTIBIOTECH
Professor McGuckin continued, “This project will significantly reduce the reliance on animal testing and accelerate the development of next-generation vaccines, ultimately benefiting public health on a global scale. We are thrilled to collaborate with SANOFI and leverage their expertise to bring this transformative technology to market.”
Professor McGuckin will collaborate with Sanofi to leverage their expertise in bringing this transformative technology to market. Dr Nicolas Forraz, CTIBIOTECH’s CEO, believes the launch is a watershed moment for the company and the vaccine development industry as a whole.
“Our innovative 3D bioprinted skin models will provide a more accurate and ethical method for assessing vaccine safety, ultimately leading to faster and more cost-effective development of new vaccines.”
– Dr. Nicolas Forraz, Chief Executive Officer of CTIBIOTECH
The project demonstrates Dr Forraz’s team’s commitment to scientific excellence and dedication to transforming public health.
