Invitrolize

Invitrolize GmbH operates within the specialized field of in vitro toxicology, providing advanced testing solutions for the chemical and cosmetic industries. Founded in 2022 by a team of scientists, the company emerged from research conducted at the Medical Faculty of the University of Düsseldorf, capitalizing on a decade of development in the field. The founding team includes Prof. Dr. Axel Schmidt, who brings a background in biochemistry from the University of Witten/Herdecke, Dr. Christian Gessner, and Jacqueline Hennes, who serves as the CEO and has a background as a research assistant at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf. This collective scientific expertise forms the foundation of the company's core technology.

The firm's primary offering is an in vitro test system designed to identify and differentiate between respiratory irritants and respiratory sensitizers. This is a critical function for industries that must comply with stringent regulations like REACH and CLP, which mandate the assessment of chemical safety without the use of animal testing. Invitrolize's proprietary model utilizes an air-liquid interface, which more realistically simulates human respiratory exposure to airborne substances compared to traditional testing methods. This approach addresses a significant gap in the market, as reliable non-animal tests for respiratory sensitization have been historically lacking.

The business model is centered on providing services to clients who need to assess the respiratory toxicity of their chemical ingredients. This includes companies in the chemical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors that are developing new products and need to ensure their safety and regulatory compliance. By offering a validated, animal-free alternative, Invitrolize helps these companies reduce their reliance on animal testing, accelerate their product development timelines, and meet regulatory requirements more efficiently. The company's technology has been recognized for its potential, securing a pre-seed investment in 2022 from High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) and the life science business angel Dr. Ansgar Hebborn, which has supported its market entry and further development.

Keywords: in vitro toxicology, respiratory sensitizer testing, chemical safety, non-animal testing, air-liquid interface, regulatory compliance, REACH, cosmetic ingredient testing, preclinical testing, toxicology services