Nonanimal Alternative Methods · NAMs · OECD-Validated
OECD-Validated Nonanimal Testing
Lebrun Labs develops and commercializes the most advanced nonanimal alternative methods (NAMs) for eye irritation and skin corrosion testing — validated under OECD Test Guidelines, accepted by global regulators, and funded by NIH/NIEHS SBIR.
What Are Nonanimal Alternative Methods (NAMs)?
Nonanimal alternative methods (NAMs) — also called new approach methodologies (NAMs) or alternative methods (AOs) — are scientifically validated test systems that predict chemical hazard without using live animals or animal-derived biological materials. They include in vitro (cell-based), in chemico (chemistry-based), and computational approaches.
Lebrun Labs specializes in the most rigorous category: OECD-validated NAMs — tests that have been formally reviewed and accepted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and are recognized by regulatory agencies in the US (EPA, FDA), EU (ECHA, EFSA), Japan (MHLW), and globally.
Unlike many "alternative" tests that still require animal-derived components (bovine corneas, fetal bovine serum, porcine skin), Lebrun Labs' tests are completely animal-component-free — no animal tissue, no animal serum, no animal-sourced reagents of any kind.
Our OECD-Validated Test Methods
Three validated nonanimal tests covering eye irritation and skin corrosion — all cell-free, all animal-component-free.
- 100% sensitivity — no false negatives
- Zero animal components of any kind
- Results in under 24 hours
- US Patent 12521367B2
- NIH/NIEHS SBIR R44ES025501
- Designed for contact lens solutions
- Ophthalmic product safety testing
- No animal components
- NIH/NIEHS SBIR SB1ES025501
- Draize test replacement
- GHS multicategory classification
- 98% accuracy, cell-free, shelf-stable
- No animal tissue required
- US Patent 12559784B2
- NIH/NIEHS SBIR R44ES036065
OECD Test Guidelines: What They Mean
Internationally accepted for GHS eye irritation classification. Lebrun Labs' OptiSafe™ EIT achieves 100% sensitivity under TG 496.
Validated for GHS skin corrosion classification. DermaSafe SCT™ meets TG 431 criteria without any cell culture or animal tissue.
Synthetic membrane-based skin corrosion test. DermaSafe SCT™ is validated under both TG 431 and TG 435 for full GHS multicategory classification.
NIH/NIEHS SBIR Validation
All three Lebrun Labs test methods have received NIH/NIEHS SBIR Phase II funding — the most rigorous peer-reviewed validation of scientific merit and commercial potential available to small businesses. Grants: R44ES025501 (OptiSafe EIT), R44ES036065 (DermaSafe SCT), SB1ES025501 (IVD EIT).
Key Terminology: NAMs, AOs, and OECD Methods
The regulatory landscape for nonanimal testing uses specific terminology. Here's what each term means in the context of Lebrun Labs' work.
Any test method that replaces, reduces, or refines the use of animals in safety testing. Lebrun Labs' tests are full replacements — no animals, no animal tissue, no animal-derived components.
Used interchangeably with NAM in regulatory contexts. OECD, ICCVAM, and EURL ECVAM use both terms to describe validated in vitro and in chemico test methods.
Internationally harmonized protocols for chemical safety testing published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Regulatory agencies in the US, EU, Japan, and globally accept OECD TG results.
Testing performed in a controlled environment outside a living organism — typically in cell culture, microplates, or test tubes. OptiSafe™ EIT and IVD EIT™ are in vitro tests.
Testing that measures direct chemical reactions between a test substance and a synthetic or biomimetic substrate — no cells, no tissue. DermaSafe SCT™ is an in chemico test.
The international standard for classifying chemicals by hazard. Lebrun Labs' tests provide GHS eye irritation (Category 1, 2, NC) and skin corrosion (Category 1A, 1B+1C, NC) classifications.
The traditional animal test for eye irritation, developed in 1944. Lebrun Labs' OptiSafe™ EIT and IVD EIT™ are validated replacements that eliminate the need for rabbit eye testing.
An in vitro eye irritation test that uses bovine corneas from slaughterhouses. Unlike BCOP, OptiSafe™ EIT contains zero animal-derived components.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a nonanimal alternative method (NAM) for eye irritation testing?
A nonanimal alternative method (NAM) for eye irritation testing is an in vitro or in chemico assay that predicts the eye irritation potential of a chemical without using live animals or animal-derived tissue. The OptiSafe™ EIT from Lebrun Labs is the only OECD TG 496-validated eye irritation test that contains zero animal-derived components of any kind — no bovine corneas, no fetal bovine serum, no animal tissue.
What does OECD TG 496 mean for eye irritation testing?
OECD Test Guideline 496 (TG 496) is the internationally accepted regulatory standard for the Short Time Exposure (STE) in vitro eye irritation test. Lebrun Labs' OptiSafe™ EIT is validated under OECD TG 496, meaning results are accepted by regulatory agencies worldwide for GHS eye irritation classification. It achieves 100% sensitivity with no false negatives.
What is the difference between OECD TG 431 and TG 435 for skin corrosion?
OECD TG 431 uses reconstructed human epidermis (RhE) to assess skin corrosion, while OECD TG 435 is a membrane barrier test using a synthetic membrane. Lebrun Labs' DermaSafe SCT™ is validated under both TG 431 and TG 435, providing GHS multicategory classification (Not Corrosive, Category 1B+1C, Category 1A) without any animal tissue or cell culture.
Can Lebrun Labs replace the Draize eye test?
Yes. Lebrun Labs' OptiSafe™ EIT and IVD EIT™ are designed as direct replacements for the Draize rabbit eye test. OptiSafe™ EIT is OECD TG 496-validated and accepted by regulatory agencies in the US, EU, and internationally. It provides quantitative results in under 24 hours with 100% sensitivity and no animal components.
What industries use Lebrun Labs' nonanimal testing services?
Lebrun Labs serves pharmaceutical, biotech, cosmetics, personal care, household products, industrial chemicals, medical device, and agricultural chemical industries. Any company that needs to classify chemicals for GHS eye irritation or skin corrosion — or that needs to comply with EU cosmetics regulations prohibiting animal testing — can use Lebrun Labs' OECD-validated nonanimal test services.
What is an in chemico skin corrosion test?
An in chemico test measures the direct chemical interaction between a test substance and a synthetic or biomimetic substrate — no cells, no tissue, no living organisms. Lebrun Labs' DermaSafe SCT™ is a cell-free, shelf-stable in chemico skin corrosivity test validated under OECD TG 431 and TG 435. It uses a proprietary biomimetic substrate to predict GHS skin corrosion categories with 98% accuracy.
Is Lebrun Labs' testing NIH-funded?
Yes. Lebrun Labs has received multiple NIH/NIEHS SBIR Phase II grants: R44ES025501 for OptiSafe EIT, R44ES036065 for DermaSafe SCT, and SB1ES025501 for IVD EIT. NIH SBIR funding validates the scientific merit and commercial potential of these nonanimal alternative methods.
How do I submit a sample for OECD-validated nonanimal testing?
Contact Lebrun Labs through the test services inquiry form at lebrunlabs.com/test-services-inquiry or the sample submission portal at lebrunlabs.com/sample-submission. Pricing starts at $2,400 per sample for OptiSafe™ EIT and $1,800 per sample for DermaSafe SCT™, with volume discounts for multiple samples.
Industries We Serve
Ready to Replace Animal Testing?
Submit a sample for OECD-validated nonanimal testing, or contact us to discuss your specific testing needs. Volume pricing available.