EURL ECVAM issues Status Report on alternatives

The European Union Reference Laboratory for Alternatives to Animal Testing (EURL ECVAM) has issued its 2022 Status Report, “Non-animal Methods in Science and Regulation.” The report describes research, dissemination and promotion activities undertaken by EURL ECVAM to further the uptake and use of non-animal methods and approaches in science and regulation. It is available at https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC132525.

Specific activities described in the report include:

• Providing guidance and training on the validation of in vitro methods, application of Good In Vitro Methods Practices, and introduction of test readiness criteria.
• Evaluation of methods to measure cytotoxicity, skin sensitization, and genotoxicity.
• Validation of in vitro methods measuring different modes of action relevant to the thyroid/endocrine system.

EURL ECVAM, which is part of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, coordinates research and validation studies on alternatives to animal testing within the European Union. EURL ECVAM also shares knowledge about and promotes use of alternative methods. NICEATM and ICCVAM collaborate with EURL ECVAM via the International Cooperation on Alternative Test Methods (ICATM); more information about ICATM is available at https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/icatm.