SciBase Holding AB, a leader in AI-based devices for detection and prevention in dermatology, today announces that a new study will be initiated in collaboration with the NIH (National Institutes of Health, US) and the Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF). In the NIH-led study, THREAT (Testing Harms Related to Exposure to Allergenic Toxins), SciBase Nevisense and its Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) technology will be used as a primary endpoint to explore how environmental exposure impacts the skin. The study design has been described in an editorial published in the leading peer-reviewed journal Allergy titled "Exploring the Link Between Environmental Exposures and Disease via Direct Challenge".

In the study, healthy subjects will either be exposed to common skin products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), bedding and clothing made of synthetic fibers, or pure contactants free of SLS and apparel/linen made from natural fibers (100 per cent cotton). The effects of these exposures will be measured and compared using skin impedance (electrical impedance spectroscopy, EIS) as a marker of skin barrier dysfunction. Skin impedance devices transmit electrical signals at different frequencies that sense opposition to the electrical flow, thus reflecting the barrier functional status of the skin.

The key highlights of the study are:

NIH has selected skin impedance, measured using SciBase's EIS technology, as the primary endpoint for assessing the impact of environmental exposures on skin barrier function in the THREAT study.

The study involves 80 healthy volunteers and investigates the effects of everyday exposures, including detergents, personal care products and synthetic textiles.

EIS will be used to monitor changes in skin barrier function over time, alongside molecular, microbiome and inflammatory biomarkers.

The study highlights the scientific relevance of EIS as an objective method for assessing skin barrier function, with potential applications in dermatology, cosmetic research and skin care product development.

"We are pleased that our Nevisense technology has been selected for this important NIH-led research initiative. The use of skin impedance as a primary endpoint highlights the scientific relevance of EIS in assessing skin barrier function. We believe this represents an important step in expanding the role of our technology in dermatology and skin health research," said Pia Renaudin, CEO of SciBase.