The study was performed on behalf of an American company seeking local (Pacific Rim) approval for its export line of skin care products.

The protocol was the Schwartz-Peck Prophetic Patch and Use, consisting of a 48-hour occlusive patch prior to use, then 4 weeks of product use, and finally a 48-hour occlusive challenge patch. Subjects were rated 4 times during the 4 weeks. Supervision was by a local dermatologist, with IRSI providing on-site management and monitoring.

Testing in Japan

IRSI has received confirmation from Japan regarding its ability to conduct predictive patch tests on topical drugs and cosmetics using either healthy volunteers or dermatological patients.

These tests would be conducted in a University Hospital that is affiliated with the Ministry of Education.

At this time, IRSI is unable to provide cost estimates unless a specific project is submitted. All projects will be subject to an approximately two month waiting period from the time IRSI submits its request until the Ministry gives its approval.

In addition to the Hong Kong and Japan study, IRSI test locations in the Pacific Rim include Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan and the Philippines.

In commenting on the overall program, Stephen Schwartz, IRSI president, pointed out that this type of on-location testing in the Pacific Rim countries gives U.S. firms the opportunity to move into these export markets with a firm foothold. Mr. Schwartz added that such testing facilitates both local acceptance in the market-place and approval in the regulatory sector.

IRSI is a leading CRO and independent research company providing human clinical testing, advertising claim substantiation and marketing research for over 15 years. For more information, please call IRSI at 1-800-548-0158. I