U.S. Department of Transportation grants all aspects of InVitro International's application for revision and renewal

Business Wire, March 27, 1995

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 27, 1995--On March 22, 1995, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) granted approval of InVitro International's application for revision and renewal of its original exemption (DOT-E 10904) in which CORROSITEX(R) was recognized as an alternative test method to meet shipping regulations in the transportation of hazardous materials.

The expanded exemption, which authorizes use of CORROSITEX to determine both the corrosive materials classification (Class 8) and Packing Groups within Class 8, was extended for another renewable two-year term, until March 1, 1997. The scope of materials authorized to be tested remains identical to that listed in the original exemption.

At the request of InVitro, the DOT made two major, positive changes to the original exemption. First, the revised protocol incorporates a new test to enhance concordance of in vitro and in vivo data.

Second, the revised protocol eliminates the necessity of animal testing when CORROSITEX indicates a substance is non-corrosive. This expanded approval was based on a supplemental statistical protocol supplied by InVitro to the DOT's Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA).

Prior to DOT approval of the company's expanded exemption, companies using CORROSITEX were required to run in vivo, or animal tests, to confirm a non-corrosive test result. The effect of these changes is to increase the accuracy and simplify performance of the tests, and to avoid animal testing for materials identified by CORROSITEX as being non-corrosive.

"The original CORROSITEX exemption marked the first acceptance by a federal agency of an in vitro test as an alternative to animal testing for regulatory purposes," stated Irv Gruverman, chairman of the board of directors for InVitro International.

"InVitro is proud to provide leading-edge technology to improve upon the cumbersome, expensive, time consuming and often inaccurate alternative testing options previously available," he continued.

InVitro expects to add considerably to its already growing list of CORROSITEX customers resulting from the revised exemption. "Our roster of potential customers increases exponentially with further DOT recognition of CORROSITEX and its expanded capabilities," said Rich Ulmer, president and chief executive officer for the company.

"Our sales force is extremely excited about this modified exemption. We are now fully equipped to sell to companies that took the extra precaution and added costs of using Packing Groups I, II or III, even when they believed their products were non-corrosive.

"They can now avoid the heavy expense and corporate conscience of animal testing. We will inform customers of the increased value CORROSITEX yields them beginning this week."

InVitro International develops and markets proprietary in vitro assay systems to predict potential irritation and/or toxic levels of substances to humans and the environment. Located in Irvine, InVitro International distributes its products throughout North America, Europe and the Pacific Rim.

CONTACT: InVitro International

Cheryl Daniel, 714/851-8356