November 03, 2020
Strengthening of the Phenion® Business
Henkel acquires epiCS® Skin Model Technology

•	Attractive portfolio with strong and successful models of the human skin
•	Global dissemination of regulatory approved alternative test methods
•	Important step towards the worldwide use and distribution of alternative test methods

Düsseldorf – Henkel closed the acquisition of the skin model technology from the SkinInVitro GmbH, located in Troisdorf, Germany, effective November 2, 2020. The closing was preceded by an extended and successful technology transfer phase, which guarantees the epiCS® production at unchanged high quality. The epiCS® skin models will be manufactured as of now in the Henkel laboratories in Düsseldorf, Germany, under the Phenion® brand.

The epiCS® technology comprises, beside others, reconstructed human epidermal equivalents, which are officially approved by the OECD for assessing the skin-corrosive potential (OECD TG 431) and, since April 2019, also the skin-irritating potential of chemicals (OECD TG 439).

Under its brand Phenion®, Henkel provides biotechnologically constructed skin models to interested contract research organizations and research institutes. With the Phenion® skin models, the company offers alternative in vitro test systems which can be used not only for basic research in dermatology and cosmetic sciences, but also for the safety assessment of raw materials and finished products.

“With this acquisition we are strengthening our existing product portfolio in the field of reconstructed human tissue models,” explains Dr. Dirk Petersohn, responsible for the Phenion® brand at Henkel Beauty Care. “With the epiCS® technology we can now offer our clients tissue models which are well-suited and regulatory accepted for analyzing the skin-corrosive and irritating potential of substances. Hence, this reasonable complement of our already existing product portfolio gives us the opportunity to serve our customers even better. We are looking forward to integrating the SkinInVitro team in order to expedite together the development and distribution of alternative test methods.”

“I am pleased that our more than 20 years of experience in technology development will be continued at Henkel,” says Horst W. Fuchs, founder and owner of the SkinInVitro GmbH. “It is a unique chance for the team to become an integral part of the globally acting Henkel company and to integrate its expertise in respect of the epiCS® technology.”

More information and details about Phenion® and its products: www.phenion.com or www.phenion-us.com.

About Henkel
Henkel operates globally with a well-balanced and diversified portfolio. The company holds leading positions with its three business units in both industrial and consumer businesses thanks to strong brands, innovations and technologies. Henkel Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the adhesives market – across all industry segments worldwide. In its Laundry & Home Care and Beauty Care businesses, Henkel holds leading positions in many markets and categories around the world. Founded in 1876, Henkel looks back on more than 140 years of success. In 2019, Henkel reported sales of more than 20 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of more than 3.2 billion euros. Henkel employs more than 52,000 people globally – a passionate and highly diverse team, united by a strong company culture, a common purpose to create sustainable value, and shared values. As a recognized leader in sustainability, Henkel holds top positions in many international indices and rankings. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. For more information, please visit www.henkel.com.

Photo material is available at www.henkel.com/press

Contact	Linda Fischer	Ricarda Albaum
Phone	+49 211 797-72 65	+49 211 797-99 82
Email	linda.fischer@henkel.com	ricarda.albaum@henkel.com

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA