The biotechnology company CTIBIOTECH has launched the SAFESKIN3D project in collaboration with the pharmaceutical giant Sanofi. The aim is to develop flexible, 3D-printed human skin models to predict the reactogenicity of vaccines, particularly the new generation of mRNA vaccines.
The project utilises CTIBIOTECH’s expertise in 3D bioprinting and tissue engineering to create advanced skin models. These simulate subcutaneous and intramuscular injection sites and are intended to support pharmaceutical companies in assessing the safety and tolerability of mRNA vaccines.
The planned skin models include epidermis, dermis, hypodermis and muscle layers. By using bioprinting, the researchers integrate immune cells, sensory neurons and vascular components. This enables a comprehensive platform for vaccine safety testing.
Sanofi is acting as a beta tester for the new skin models. Feedback from the experts will help to validate and refine the models and ensure their accuracy and reliability.
CTIBIOTECH is investing 1 million euros in the project and will receive an additional 500,000 euros in funding. Funding is being provided by the Sanofi iDEA-TECH Award and the French programme “Transforming SMEs through Innovation | France 2030”, among others.
The project is expected to create up to 70 jobs and generate a turnover of 15 million euros by 2031. It will thus contribute to the economic growth and technological progress of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
CTIBIOTECH has already achieved success in the field of skin bioprinting. The company produces reproducible human skin equivalents with different cell types. Particularly noteworthy are immunised skin models for measuring anti-inflammatory effects and skin with artificial sebaceous glands.
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