Evaluation of dermal irritation and skin sensitization due to vitacoxib

•The dermal irritation and skin sensitization of a novel COX-2 inhibitor, vitacoxib, was assessed.•Vitacoxib did not induce dermal irritation in rabbits.•Vitacoxib did not show evidence of skin sensitization toxicity in guinea pigs.

The prediction of side-effects is a key issue in the REACH initiative on chemicals in the preclinical testing of drugs. The dermal irritation and skin sensitization toxicity potential of a new molecule, vitacoxib, were invested in rabbits and guinea pigs in compliance with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guideline. To assess dermal irritation, rabbits were dermally attached to vitacoxib for 72 h or repeated application. The results showed that no adverse reactions such as erythema and edema were observed throughout the test. In skin sensitization test, guinea pigs were sensitized to vitaoxib, positive and negative article for 24 h. No sensitization reaction was shown in the vitacoxib and negative group whereas severe sensitization was observed in the positive group. Based on these findings, vitacoxib does not cause dermal irritation and skin sensitization toxicity, and seems to be safe for animal use.

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