Introduction
To advance dermatological science, the ability of our research tools and techniques to mimic the responses of human skin in vivo is paramount. At Ten Bio, our TenSkin™ model has set new standards in the ability of an explant model to replicate in vivo skin behavior by returning explant skin to its normal physiological tension. By maintaining the skins normal mechanobiology, TenSkin™ retains its in vivo like physiological and mechanical properties for up to two weeks—doubling the effective research window that can be achieved with other traditional models.
Longer window for complex skin response observation
With TenSkin™, the opportunity to observe and analyze skin responses to a range of interventions over two weeks is invaluable. This extended period allows for a deeper understanding of the skin’s dynamic responses to physical and chemical procedures, drug dosing and environmental factors, crucial in developing effective treatments and interventions for chronic skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
In collaboration with leading scientists at Colgate-Palmolive and the University of Dundee, we have shown that the TenSkinTM model not only mimics the physiological conditions of in vivo human skin but also provides critical data on dermal re-modelling and inflammation responses over extended time periods. This opens new opportunities for developing treatments that balance efficacy with patient comfort and quick recovery times. This work is published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology: Innovation (2025);5:100305 and can be found in the news section.
Evaluation of cumulative effects
Application of skin products or therapeutics are generally not single treatments resulting in an immediate effect, these responses typically evolve over longer periods of time. Our two-week model aligns well with this use case. It allows for repeated applications and assessments of long-term toxicity and efficacy, providing a more accurate reflection on a product’s performance and safety.
The extended viability and maintenance of an intact barrier in TenSkin™ is particularly transformative for studies involving repeated dosing. Products that are designed for continual use can be evaluated more effectively, simulating actual consumer use cases. This is critical for accurately determining the efficacy of treatments that build over time, which is the case for many regenerative skin therapies.
Facilitating complex exposure studies
Environmental factors like pollution, UV exposure, and chemical irritants necessitate studies over extended periods to accurately gauge their impact. TenSkin™’s two-week lifespan allows us to conduct more complex exposure studies, mimicking chronic conditions, e.g. early indicators of skin aging following repeated UV exposure or skin reactions due to long term or repeated medical device attachment (patches). Retention of the skins viability and tissue integrity over these time frames also facilitates combination studies, e.g., wound healing with elevated UV exposure, further simulating real world challenges.
Cost efficiency and ethical research
Providing a two-week model aligns with our commitment to ethical research practices, helping to avoid recourse to animal models for complex and chronic studies. By reducing the number of models needed over the course of a development pipeline, we minimize research costs while at the same time decreasing our footprint and upholding our ethical standards.
The enhanced abilities of the TenSkin™ platform offers significant value in the quality of the data provided and greater predictability of how products will behave in a clinical setting. The clear advantage of this lies in better planning, more efficient later stage testing and associated cost savings. This extended viability is not merely a benefit but a strategic investment in enhancing the depth and accuracy of dermatological studies.
Conclusion
The extended viability of TenSkin™ is more than an incremental improvement—it is a fundamental enhancement that is driving dermatological research forward. This model allows us to emulate human skin behavior over more realistic timeframes, ensuring that our research is not just thorough but also ethically sound and economically viable. As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in skin science, TenSkin™ stands as a cornerstone of innovative, impactful research.
For more details on how TenSkin™ can transform your research, contact us.
Ten Bio November 2024
