ID#

332

Location:

Room 314

Time of Presentation:

March 22, 1:40 PM

Workshop (W14):

Current Status and Future Considerations for the Development of Skin Toxicology Alternative Methods
(1:30 PM - 4:30 PM)

Overview of Alternatives in Toxicology: Recent Progress and Future Opportunities
W.S. Stokes¹
1. DHHS/NIH/NIEHS, National Toxicology Program, RTP, NC, USA.

There has been significant progress in recent years in the use of alternative test methods and approaches for toxicological assessments. National and international authorities have adopted testing strategies that integrate the use of scientifically valid animal and non-animal alternatives, resulting in reduced animal use and reduced pain and distress. In some specific testing situations, hazard decisions can now be made without animals, whereas in others only a single animal or a small number of animals may be necessary. This progress has been aided by the establishment of processes and centers to facilitate the validation, scientific review, and regulatory acceptance of alternative methods. These include the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods and the NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods in the U.S., and the European Center for the Validation of Alternative Methods in Europe. Despite current progress, recent events such as EU legislation imposing immediate and phased prohibitions on the use of animals for safety testing of cosmetic products and ingredients have created significant new scientific, regulatory, and ethical challenges. Focused research and application of new technologies will be essential to develop innovative alternative non-animal safety assessment methods that effectively address these new mandates and that continue to protect human, animal, and environmental health. This presentation will discuss the current status of alternative test methods, and challenges, opportunities, and strategies for future progress.