Published October 8, 2026, by PETA Staff
For two decades, the Swiss biotechnology company Epithelix has stood at the vanguard of cutting-edge, human-relevant science on a global scale. Operating with a clear vision to revolutionize modern toxicology, the company has consistently gone above and beyond to propel toxicity testing squarely into the twenty-first century. By engineering sophisticated human cell-based tissue models capable of accurately replacing the use of animals in laboratory experiments, Epithelix has redefined what is possible in preclinical research and product safety evaluation.
This sustained dedication to ethical and advanced science was formally recognized at this year’s prestigious Lung In Vitro Event for Innovative and Predictive Models, widely known as LIVe. At the conference, the PETA Science Consortium International e.V. presented Epithelix with a major award, honoring the organization for its excellence in advancing non-animal inhalation testing and its remarkable two-decade commitment to improving scientific methodologies.
Advanced Tissue Models Revolutionize Respiratory Science
Epithelix specializes in the development of human cell-based respiratory tissue models that accurately mimic distinct regions of the human respiratory tract, ranging from the upper nasal passages to the deep lungs. These sophisticated, animal-free models provide modern researchers with powerful tools to investigate complex biological phenomena, including respiratory diseases, microbial infections, local inflammation, tissue and wound healing, and inhalation toxicity.
The applications for these innovative models span a vast array of industries and research sectors. Scientists can utilize Epithelix’s technology to rigorously evaluate the safety and efficacy of everyday cosmetics, advanced pharmaceuticals, medical device extracts, industrial chemicals, agricultural pesticides, cigarette smoke, and various household products. In short, these human cell-based systems help answer critical scientific questions with high precision, entirely eliminating the need to harm animals in the laboratory.
Beyond developing breakthrough products, Epithelix has established itself as a major driving force behind the broader scientific transition toward non-animal research methodologies. The company’s influence extends far beyond its proprietary laboratory products; it actively supports the wider scientific community by investing heavily in the validation, training, and global accessibility of non-animal technologies. This mission is furthered through regular, collaborative efforts with the PETA Science Consortium International e.V., which include hosting hands-on technical workshops, distributing technology awards, and conducting cooperative testing initiatives.
Translating Better Science into Practical Research
This deep-rooted commitment to collaboration is already empowering researchers around the world to put superior, human-relevant science into daily practice. At the latest LIVe event, Epithelix and the Science Consortium teamed up once again to present a distinguished researcher at the Spanish National Research Council in Madrid with a prize consisting of free tissue models provided by Epithelix.
The Spanish researcher will utilize these advanced tissues to investigate the complex biological effects of inhaled environmental pollutants on the human respiratory tract. Crucially, the experimental setup will mirror real-world human exposure scenarios far more accurately than traditional animal-based tests ever could, bridging the gap between laboratory analysis and genuine public health impacts.
This joint initiative marks the fourth consecutive time that the Science Consortium and Epithelix have joined forces to sponsor this specific tissue award. By providing these grants, the organizations aim to grant researchers practical, hands-on experience with advanced human cell-based methods, demonstrating firsthand that these technologies can successfully supplant traditional animal testing protocols.
Epithelix continues to demonstrate that true scientific innovation requires leaving animal testing behind. The company’s human-relevant technology offers superior outcomes that benefit both human health and animal welfare alike, proving that ethical science and rigorous research go hand in hand.
Supporting the Future of Gold Standard Science
The recognition at the LIVe conference highlights the ongoing evolution of regulatory and investigative toxicology. For more than ten years, the PETA Science Consortium International e.V. has collaborated closely with industrial partners and government regulatory agencies to accelerate the replacement of animals in toxicity testing. Through dedicated scientific research, peer-reviewed publications, and the organization of specialized educational training opportunities, the Consortium remains dedicated to fostering a new era of animal-free science.
