Nonanimal test for classifying eye irritants to protect vision
Official title: IVD EIT: A Nonanimal Alternative Method for the Detection of Ocular Irritants
Funded at Lebrun Labs, LLC · NIH-11410324 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new nonanimal method called the IVD EIT aims to reliably classify substances that irritate the eye, helping manufacturers and consumers stay safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lebrun Labs, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Anaheim, United States) |
| Project start | June 22, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $95,664 |
| NIH project number | 1SB1ES038803-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11410324 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable; this grant does not involve patient participation.
✕Less likely to help
Not applicable; the study does not involve patients.
What this research studies
This project builds on an in vitro test that measures how deeply a substance can irritate eye tissue, with the goal of replacing animal tests. It focuses on creating a robust, accurate method that can classify irritants and support labeling for safe handling of products and chemicals. The work will involve refining the test, validating its accuracy across irritant categories, and preparing it for potential use as a product-testing service or kit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this method could provide a safer, animal-free way to identify irritating substances and improve consumer product safety labeling.
How similar studies have gone: Previous nonanimal eye irritation tests have progressed, but this project emphasizes a new depth-of-injury approach with high sensitivity and specificity.
Where this research is happening
-
Lebrun Labs, LLC
Anaheim, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lebrun, Stewart — Lebrun Labs, LLC
- Study coordinator: Lebrun, Stewart
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.