Skin allergy to chemicals - reveal, assess and prevent

Purpose and goal

The goal has been to form a strong consortium and to design a project likely to achieve results in the subsequent steps of UDI, aiming at new solutions that can prevent contact allergy, make life easier for already affected, and reduce the related societal costs. This was done through workshops, discussions with the reference group, and formation of work packages, that have worked with competitive intelligence and planning for step 2. The consortium has also been expanded and now includes a significant part of Swedish expertise in the field of contact allergy.

Results and expected effects

An interdisciplinary consortium with participants from academia, institutes, clinics and companies was formed, and further developed the project idea and applied to Step 2. Authorities, organizations and companies form the reference group. The solutions are well positioned for utilization, also internationally, since the consortium has broad expertise, from standardization and regulations through testing and diagnostic companies to research and clinic. The project is expected to lead to better health, cost savings for society and advantages for participating companies.

Approach and implementation

The workshop format has been appreciated and generated fruitful discussions that formed the basis for the design of the project for step 2. The broad consortium has made it possible to highlight different aspects of the challenge and brought favorable conditions for analysis of needs and competition. New partners have been identified and brought into the consortium. The formation of work packages was necessary to make the project planning for step 2 efficient. Overall, planning, management, co-operation and implementation have worked very well.