Join Mattek at SOT 2026
Mattek scientists will be attending and presenting posters at the Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting in San Diego, California. Our scientists are presenting 6 NEW POSTERS with new research, applications, and tissue models. Read more to see what we’ve been working on and request copies of our posters. We can’t wait to see you at SOT 2026!
Meet our team at Booth #1321
Poster Presentations:
Me-Too Validation of the Epi2SensA Method Using EpiDerm™ Model for Skin Sensitization Testing Under OECD TG442D (3255/E387)
Authors: Pellevoisin1,2, H. Kojima3,4, S. Hoffmann5, T. Ashikaga6, T. Landry1, C. Romero1, K. Guntur1, M. Klausner1, J. Stadnicki1, H. Gehrke7, R. Mills-Goodlet7, N. Panousi7, V.K. Johnson8, K. Narita9, S. Tachibana9, K. Kojima9, and A. Armento1.
1MatTek Corporation, Ashland, MA; 2Urbilateria, Saint Cyr sur Loire, France; 33- Sanyo Onoda City University, Yamaguchi, Japan; 4NIHS, Kawasaki, Japan; 5seh consulting + services, Paderborn, Germany; 6NIHS/JaCVAM, Kawasaki, Japan; 7Eurofins, Munich, German; 8Burleson Research Technologies, Morisville, NC; and 9FDSC, Hadano, Japan.
Session: Dermal Toxicology | March 23, 2026 | 9:15 – 11:45am
Abstract: The Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) for skin sensitization has driven the development and publication of OECD Test Guidelines 442C, D, and E, enabling animal free assessment of skin sensitizing potential of chemicals. In 2023, JaCVAM validated the epidermal sensitization assay (EpiSensA), an in vitro method addressing the Key event 2 of the AOP by measuring gene expression of four mechanistically-relevant keratinocyte markers in reconstructed human epidermis (RhE) following chemical exposure. The purpose of this study was to validate Epi2SensA, a similar method, using EpiDerm™ (EPI-200) as an alternative RhE model. Like EpiSensA, Epi2SensA will be used in conjunction with other in chemico and in vitro tests in the OECD TG442 series as part of an IATA in the AOP framework to identify the sensitization potential of substances for the classification and labelling of the skin sensitization hazards. Integration of the Epi2SensA in the OECD TG442D will provide laboratories with multiple RhE supplier options and ensure worldwide supply chain reliability.
Bridging Physiological Accuracy and Reproducibility: The EpiVaginal Model Integrated with Simulated Vaginal Fluids (4127/H609)
Authors: Reis1, J Markus1, K Forro3, M Klausner2, T Landry2, K Coen2, S Letasiova1, K Kejlova4, M Dvorakova4, E Pacalova4, S Ayehunie.2
1Mattek Europe, Bratislava, Slovakia, 2Mattek, Ashland, MA, USA, 3Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia, 4Centre of Toxicology and Health Safety, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
Session: New Approach Methods: In Vitro II | March 24, 2026 | 9:15 – 11:45 am
Abstract: The EpiVaginal™ model (Mattek), a 3D vaginal tissue system derived from normal human ectocervical epithelial cells, has been developed as an in vitro alternative to the Rabbit Vaginal Irritation (RVI) assay to evaluate the safety of vaginal products. This highly differentiated 3D tissue model mimics the structural, physiological, and functional features of native vaginal mucosa and has been successfully applied in studies of vaginal irritation, inflammation, drug delivery, and microbicides. As a primary human cell-based system, EpiVaginal™ aligns with the goals of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) by providing a physiologically relevant, reliable, and reproducible assay for specific context of use for hazard and risk assessment of feminine products such as lubricants, hygiene products, microbicides, spermicides, and medical devices. While commercially available in the U.S. for years, the model was only recently introduced in Europe. In this study, we assessed reproducibility and robustness of manufacturing the tissue model by comparing ET-50 values, the exposure time required to reduce tissue viability by 50%, across two production sites (U.S. and Europe). ET-50 values serve as a standardized metric for batch-to-batch and site-to-site comparisons was used to evaluate the mode ls reliability and reproducibility. To further evaluate discriminatory power, we tested a panel of widely used vaginal ingredients, including exposures with Simulated Vaginal Fluid (SVF) to enhance physiological relevance.
Aerosol Application for Prediction of Respiratory Toxicity using a Human Airway Model (4167/J650)
Authors: Jo Wallace1, Mary McElroy1, Blane Stobbs1, Anna Marshall1, James Baily1, Rossana Boni1, Mitch Klausner2, Seyoum Ayehunie.2
1Charles River Laboratories, Edinburgh, UK., 2Mattek, Ashland MA, USA
Session: New Approach Methods: In Vitro II | March 24, 2026 | 1:45 – 4:15 pm
Abstract: Traditional in vivo inhalation toxicology studies are costly, require large numbers of animals, and often fail to translate effectively to human outcomes due to anatomical and physiological disparities between animal and human respiratory systems. Consequently, there is growing interest in human-relevant in vitro models for assessing inhalation toxicity. Human lung organotypic cultures are currently being used to assess direct toxicity of inhaled chemicals in a case-by-case basis. However, the absence of an OECD guideline limits their broader regulatory adoption. Establishing such a guideline would provide a standardized framework and promote regulatory acceptance of these models.
The objective of this project is to develop an in vitro inhalation toxicity screening protocol for risk-based decision making. We show that an EpiAirway™ protocol has the potential to allow prediction of human hazard classifications for acute inhalation risk by applying chemicals directly to the epithelial surface at the air liquid interface in solution or suspension. We also re-evaluate a subset of chemicals using aerosol exposure to determine whether the mode of application influences the resulting toxicity profiles.
Integration of Incucyte Analytics and Multi-Organ Toxplate (Kidney, Small Intestine, and Liver) for NAMS-Based Hazard and Risk Assessment of Compounds (4121/H603)
Authors: J Finelli1, M Mayo1, P Kesselman2, K Coen1, A Armento1, S Ayehunie.1
1Mattek, Ashland, MA, 2Satorius Corporate Research, Ann Arbor, MI
Session: New Approach Methods: In Vitro II | March 24, 2026 | 9:15 – 11:45 AM
Abstract: Advanced primary cell-based 3D human tissue models are key components of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), providing a reliable alternative to animal testing for hazard and risk assessment of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and formulations. To overcome the limitations of traditional single-organ systems in predicting human responses, we developed a 3D human Multi-Organ ToxPlate (MOTP) that integrates small intestine, liver, and kidney tissue models within a 96-well plate format. This platform was adjusted to be compatible with Sartorius’s IncuCyte® system for high-throughput imaging and automated live-cell analysis, enabling dose-range finding experiments for single or multiple drugs across three organ systems possible simultaneously. This integrated workflow reduces variability, accelerates timelines, lowers cost, and provides real-time imaging with automated EC50 calculations as an endpoint. By combining conventional toxicological endpointssuch as TEER for barrier integrity, MTT for viability, and H&E staining for histology with IncuCyte® analytics, the ToxPlate delivers comprehensive outcome measurements of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in vitro. This approach improves prediction accuracy, supports early detection of off-target effects, and contributes to reduction in late-stage clinical failures. Instead of performing separate tests on individual organs, the ToxPlate–IncuCyte workflow consolidates safety and efficacy assessments, enabling evaluation of therapeutic toxicity, metabolism, and clearance in a physiologically relevant context.
Use of in vitro Reconstructed Intestinal Epithelium to Study Effects of Repeated Aluminum Exposure (4187/J678)
Authors: G. D. Atanasio1, G. All aria1, L. Dondero1, F. Rispo1, F. Tardanico1, E. Lertora1, K. Cortese2, S. Ferrando1, F. Soggia3, J. Markus4, S. Letasiova4, T. Filippini5, F. Robino6, M. Zanotti Russo6, S. Ayehunie7, and E. Grasselli1,8.
1DISTAV University of Genoa, Genova, Italy; 2DIMES, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy; 3DCCI, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy; 4Mattek Europe, Bratislava, Slovakia; 5CREAGEN, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; 6Angel Consulting, Milan, Italy; 7Mattek, Ashland, MA; and 8centro 3R, lnteruniversity Centre for the Promotion of 3Rs, Genova, Italy.
Session: Human Exposure Assessment/Biomonitoring | March 24, 2026 | 1:45 – 4:15pm
Abstract: Aluminum (Al3+) is one of the most prevalent elements in the environment and is commonly found in dietary products. The free cation, Al3+, is physiologically reactive and thus might affect metabolism when ingested. The gastrointestinal tract plays a pivotal role in its absorption, and it is estimated that approximately 40% of ingested aluminum is retained in the intestinal tissues. The present study aims to evaluate morphological alterations, barrier effects, and gene expression pattern changes after repeated exposure of in vitro intestinal tissue models to aluminum.
Hepatotoxic Mechanisms by Drug-Induced Cholestasis and Reactive Metabolites in Human Hepatocyte Co-Culture System (4563/D337)
Session: ADME/Toxicokinetics II | March 25, 2026 | 1:45 – 4:15 pm