Medical Laboratory World
Article date: 10/10/2005
Trichocare Diagnostics move platform innovation into Europe.
Trichocare Diagnostics, the developers of a simple and effective sensitivity test for the Hairdressing Industry, announces the launch of Tintatest in Italy.
The company's first product, Colourstart, is used by many leading hairdressing salons to identify clients most at risk of a Type IV cell-mediated allergy to hair dye, principally caused as a result of an immune response to Para-pheneylenediamine (PPD).
The test is a patch, applied just like a temporary transfer, except that it is impregnated with para-phenylenediamine (PPD) and its derivatives and resorcinol, chemicals found in most permanent hair dyes.
Since the launch of the UK version, Colourstart is used in over one thousand salons. Brian Plunkett, Managing Director of Trichocare is glad to see the market expansion into the fashion Capital of Europe but does not see activity ending there, “PPD is the most common allergen found in all permanent hair dye. It’s not a UK limited issue”. Brian, a Trichologist and developer of the allergy indicator, works closely with the agenda setters of the European hairdressing industry and continues, “patch-testing prior to hair colour is a European Standard, so our aim is for the product to be in place throughout the region”.
The potential for such a test is enormous. The company's market expansion strategy, and the development of the product to cover other common cosmetic allergens has a funding requirement and Trichocare is currently in discussions with potential partners. Brian’s son Nick, the company’s Commercial Director, is leading Trichocare’s development plans, “the technology is rapidly changing its coat from a cosmetic innovation used in the professional hair and beauty market, to a medically orientated diagnostic product. Securing funding for this phase of the project is one of our principal objectives for 2006”.
There is growing concern amongst physicians and the public about the increase in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). The prevalence of ACD is 2-3% of the global population and is rising significantly. More than 10% of all women for example in Europe, US and Japan suffer from a contact allergy towards the most common allergens, nickel, fragrances and preservative found in cosmetic formulations. The symptoms are inflammation with persistent eczema. There are, of course, those who are concerned about allergy in relation to other areas: foodstuffs, insect stings, latex, medication, and idiopathic reactions.
Trichocare sees these as new markets for its test system and would be pleased to hear from companies interested in developing business opportunities, or from healthcare professionals with ideas for application areas for the test. Brian Plunkett says, "We are looking to use our platform technology to deliver a variety of other allergens, to make the identification and diagnosis of those individuals most at risk to allergy, simple and effective".
Notes: Trichocare is a finalist of the 2005 Startups Awards. The winner will be announced at the finals in London, 21st October.