Irvine’s InVitro Signs Pact for Its Eye, Skin Products

InVitro International said Wednesday that it has signed an agreement with a Maryland laboratory to use the Irvine-based company’s eye and skin products for research on skin irritation.

Microbiological Associates Inc. in Rockville, Md., evaluates cosmetic and personal-care products, household products, agricultural chemicals and biotherapeutics for corporations and research institutes. The company, which also has a laboratory in Stirling, Scotland, will use InVitro’s Eytex, Skintex and Solatex products in its testing.

The value of the contract was not disclosed.

InVitro uses vegetable-based formulas to evaluate eye and skin irritability. The solutions react to irritants in much the same way that an animal’s tissues would, thus allowing commercial laboratories that make products such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to avoid performing tests on animals.

InVitro, which went public in 1991 under the name Ropak Laboratories, has yet to turn a profit. In its first annual report, the company posted a $3.4-million loss on revenue of $530,000.