What Toxicology Testing Services Does MB Research Laboratories Offer?
Updated
MB Research Laboratories is a contract research organization (CRO) that provides GLP-compliant toxicology and safety assessment services, with more than 50 years of experience. Its testing menu is organized around four main areas: eye and skin safety, biocompatibility, acute toxicity, and skin sensitization — all aligned to OECD, ISO, EPA, and DOT standards. This makes it relevant if you need regulatory-ready safety data for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, chemicals, or consumer products.
Eye and Skin Safety Testing
This category covers eye irritation, dermal irritation, and corrosion testing using validated in vitro methods. The assays cited on the site follow these OECD test guidelines:
- OECD TG 437 — Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability (BCOP) test for eye irritation
- OECD TG 492 — Reconstructed human cornea-like epithelium (RhCE) test for eye irritation
- OECD TG 439 — In vitro skin irritation test
- OECD TG 431 — In vitro skin corrosion test
These methods are designed to reduce reliance on animal models while still meeting rigorous scientific standards. They are commonly used for raw materials, formulas, and finished cosmetic and personal care products.
Biocompatibility Testing (ISO 10993)
For medical devices, MB Research conducts biocompatibility studies supporting device safety evaluations under ISO 10993. The services include:
- Cytotoxicity testing
- Irritation testing
- Sensitization studies
These are the core endpoints typically required for device biocompatibility assessments before regulatory submission.
Acute Toxicity Testing (Six-Pack)
The acute toxicity six-pack supports hazard classification and regulatory safety assessments. The site lists these OECD test guidelines:
- OECD TG 420 — Acute oral toxicity, fixed dose procedure
- OECD TG 423 — Acute oral toxicity, acute toxic class method
- OECD TG 425 — Acute oral toxicity, up-and-down procedure
- OECD TG 402 — Acute dermal toxicity
- OECD TG 403 — Acute inhalation toxicity
This integrated approach covers oral, dermal, and inhalation exposure routes.
Skin Sensitization Testing (OECD TG 442)
MB Research offers both in vitro and in vivo approaches for evaluating allergic contact dermatitis potential under OECD TG 442 methods. This is relevant for ingredients and products where sensitization potential must be characterized for regulatory dossiers.
Regulatory Toxicology Across Standards
Beyond individual assays, MB Research provides GLP-compliant safety studies supporting global regulatory submissions. The standards referenced include:
| Standard | Application Area |
|---|---|
| OECD | Chemical and cosmetic safety testing |
| EPA | Consumer products and chemicals |
| ISO | Medical device biocompatibility |
| DOT | Transportation-related hazard classification |
Industries Served
MB Research works across five core industries:
- Cosmetics — GLP-compliant safety assessments for raw materials, formulas, and finished products, including in vitro alternatives for ocular irritation, dermal irritation, phototoxicity, and corrosivity. The lab also helps brands navigate frameworks such as the EU Cosmetics Directive (76/768/EEC).
- Consumer products — End-to-end acute toxicology including oral, dermal, and inhalation exposure studies, designed to meet CPSC, EPA, and international requirements. This covers cleaning products, household chemicals, and personal care items.
- Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and chemicals — Regulatory-ready safety studies supporting submissions in these sectors.
How to Decide If This Fits Your Needs
Choose MB Research if you need:
- GLP-compliant studies for a regulatory submission (OECD, EPA, ISO, or DOT)
- In vitro alternatives for eye or skin irritation and corrosion
- ISO 10993 biocompatibility endpoints for a medical device
- Acute toxicity data across multiple exposure routes
- Skin sensitization testing under OECD TG 442
If your project requires only non-GLP exploratory work or assays outside these categories, you would need to confirm scope directly with the lab. The site provides a quote request option for specific project discussions.