An-eX is an independent CRO that was established in 1988 at the School of Pharmacy, Cardiff University in recognition of the needs of the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and personal care industries for accurate and reliable in vitro human skin penetration data.

The research and development activities of An-eX are focused primarily in the dermal field assisting the innovation of new drug products, topical and transdermal formulations, drug delivery systems, personal care products and generation of data for safety assessment. The work conducted at An-eX is exclusively in vitro with human skin penetration studies typically performed according to the OECD 428 test guidelines and other appropriate guidelines (e.g. SCCS). Worldwide clients range from start-ups to multi-nationals. We work flexibly to design protocols and work plans that fit with the client’s needs, utilising decades of experience.

The company has successfully developed over the last four decades thanks to the endeavours of the late founding member Dr Keith Brain, the late former director Dr Ken Walters (joined 1991), director and CSO Dr Darren Green (joined 1994) and technical director Dr Chris Jones (joined 2006), all experts in the skin penetration field. Today, their passion and commitment is reflected in the dedication of our highly skilled R&D team that operate within our secure laboratory facilities, situated on the outskirts of the city.