Consumer product companies need to rigorously test their products for potential lung toxicity before they can be sold to the public, as tobacco smoke is associated with a wide variety of health problems and vaping products are under scrutiny worldwide. Using our in vitro lung approaches, such products can be assessed for human risk reducing harm and identifying go/ no go test items at an early stage in product development.
A tobacco company approached ImmuONE with an inquiry on how to assess the impact of heat-not-burn products, like vaping, compared to traditional cigarettes and other tobacco items, on human lung cells. Heat-not-burn products function by heating tobacco at lower temperatures, creating a tobacco-flavoured vapour that users inhale. While vaping is considered safer than smoking tobacco, there is limited knowledge about its long-term effects on lung health. ImmuONE is well-positioned to provide insights into this matter.
(Figure 1) -An Overview of Company X’s Timeline with ImmuONE Illustration of a collaboration with ImmuONE that followed a structured timeline, focused on addressing the client’s research objectives and compliance needs.
What We Proposed
ImmuONE formulated a comprehensive scope of work (example in Figure 2) to analyse and compare the impact of heat-not-burn products with traditional cigarettes and other tobacco items on human lung cells. To conduct the study, we leveraged our state-of-the-art 3D immune-competent lung model, ImmuLUNG™. This model allowed us to subject lung cells to the aerosol produced by heat-not-burn products and evaluate the levels of inflammatory markers and oxidative stress present in the cells. Through this advanced approach, we aimed to provide valuable insights into the potential effects of these products on human lung health.
(Figure 2) – A scope of work proposed by ImmuONE to address safety concerns
ImmuONE recognises the substantial regulatory hurdles that tobacco and next-generation product companies face and is dedicated to assisting clients in meeting regulatory requirements and standards. Our cutting-edge in vitro services are tailored to aid tobacco companies in maintaining quality control, innovating new products and substantiating marketing claims.
Our in vitro approaches have demonstrated superior advantages over traditional animal testing, including faster, more reliable, and relevant reproducible results. Notably, research conducted by the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy supports this claim, as in vitro studies typically require less time (e.g., approximately two months) to complete compared to in vivo studies. This efficiency and accuracy make our in vitro models a valuable tool in expediting research and development processes while upholding ethical considerations.
ImmuONE’s commitment to advancing in vitro research for the tobacco industry aligns with our dedication to scientific progress and responsible innovation, ensuring our clients remain compliant with evolving regulations and market demands.
Evaluating human risks
ImmuONE offers bespoke, cutting-edge in vitro services investigating human risk that cater specifically to the tobacco industry. Our non-animal, in vitro methods utilise our patented technologies to comprehensively assess immune responsiveness to chemicals. This service is invaluable to the tobacco industry for several reasons:
- Relevance and Accuracy: ImmuONE’s services for evaluating human risks are conducted in a controlled laboratory environment using human cells, ensuring the results are highly relevant to human lung health. This approach provides a more accurate representation for identifying enhanced risks at a cellular level.
- Sensitivity to Small Changes: Our testing methods detect even subtle changes in the immune system, allowing us to identify potentially harmful chemicals to the lungs, even when overt toxicity is not evident. This sensitivity aids in early identification and risk assessment.
- Speed and Efficiency: ImmuONE's human risk testing allows for rapid assessment of chemical toxicity. This efficiency streamlines the process of evaluating potentially harmful substances and supports faster decision-making.
- Ethical and Responsible Approach: As non-animal testing methods, ImmuONE's services align with ethical considerations, reducing the reliance on animal testing for toxicological evaluations. This approach reflects a commitment to responsible research practices.
Our services provide a comprehensive and human-relevant solution for the tobacco industry’s toxicological assessment needs, enabling companies to make informed decisions and advance product development responsibly.