We present a receptor-modeling concept based on multidimensional QSAR (mQSAR) developed at our laboratory for the in silico prediction of the toxic potential of drugs and environmental chemicals. Presently, the VirtualToxLab includes nine so-called virtual test kits for the estrogen (α/β), androgen, thyroid (α/β), glucocorticoid, aryl hydrocarbon, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, as well as for the enzyme cytochrome P450 3A4. The surrogates have been tested against a total of 798 compounds and are able to predict the binding affinity close to the experimental uncertainty, with only six of the 188 test compounds being calculated more than a factor of 10 off the experimental binding affinity and the maximal individual deviation not exceeding a factor of 15. These results suggest that our approach is suited for the in silico identification of adverse effects triggered by drugs and environmental chemicals. In this account, we summarise the current evaluation status of the models and introduce an Internet access portal, immediately available to selected laboratories, and aimed at a peer evaluation of our concept.

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Animal dissections have been dropped from the curriculum in several developed countries, and virtual laboratories are taking their place, or at least the concept of the “three R’s” is becoming accepted. Yet, the scenario in the developing countries in this regard has been dismal. However, recently, a movement has started in India in this area, thanks to the aggressive approach of PfA, I-CARE and InterNICHE, supported by a few zoology educators and policy makers, who joined this movement as freelancers. The aggressive campaigners against animal dissections put up convincing arguments to the orthodox zoology educators and higher education planners with such veracity that the arguments cannot be ignored. The arguments, to be presented in detail at the conference, and the campaign have been rewarded with success such that a few universities and autonomous colleges have revamped their zoology curricula so as to dispense with or reduce animal dissections. The Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India, has been the trendsetter, evolving what is known as the “Bharathidasan University Model”. A memorandum from I-CARE and PfA to the University Grants Commission, Government of India, New Delhi, was sent out by the UGC to the universities with a request to consider the points positively. However, there is still a need to bring about an attitudinal change in the zoology educators and higher education planners such that they participate willingly in this endeavour. The role-players at all levels are identified and approached with a language that is understandable to each and are adequately supported by hands-on training in the alternative methods. Ultimately, the responsibility in this regard lies with the educators themselves, since they are the ones who, working in the academic committees that design the curricula, can cut down on the requirement for dissections.

SkinEthic Laboratories is a France-based biotechnology company recognised as the world leader in tissue engineering.
SkinEthic is devoted to develop and produce reliable and robust in vitro alternative methods to animal use in cosmetic, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. SkinEthic models provide relevant tools for efficacy and safety screening tests in order to support an integrated decision-making during research and development phases. Some screening tests are referenced and validated as alternatives to animal use (Episkin), others are in the process of validation under ECVAM and OECD guidelines.
SkinEthic laboratories provide a unique and joined experience of more than 20 years from Episkin SNC and SkinEthic SA. Their unique cell culture process allows in vitro reconstructed human tissues with well characterized histology, functionality and ultrastructure features to be mass produced.
Our product line includes skin models: a reconstructed human epidermis with a collagen layer, Episkin, reconstructed human epidermis without or with melanocytes (with a tanning degree from phototype II to VI) and a reconstructed human epithelium, i.e. cornea, and other mucosa, i.e. oral, gingival, oesophageal and vaginal.
Our philosophy is based on 3 main commitments: to support our customers by providing robust and reliable models, to ensure training and education in using validated protocols, allowing a large array of raw materials, active ingredients and finished products in solid, liquid, powder, cream or gel form to be screened, and, to provide a dedicated service to our partners.

Technical progress in surgical training and ethical issues are expected to replace traditional methods of residents learning surgery by apprenticeship in the operating room in a stressful atmosphere. With the development of Minimal Access Surgery (MAS) the surgical approach has changed totally, and curriculum-based, hands-on training is gaining importance in learning these new skills. Economic factors and ethical issues of learning basic skills on patients and animal models are driving progressive replacement with clinically closer simulators. There is scope for medical colleges and simulator manufacturers to work together to develop scientific simulators and discourage the use of animals for the acquisition of basic skills in surgery. This process can be accelerated only by incorporating simulator-based training modules in the curriculum of medical education. This change in curriculum can motivate the medical community to look for alternatives to animal use by accepting the 3R principles.

In vitro toxicology used to determine the hazardous nature of a product is gaining wider acceptance in the scientific and regulatory community. Risk assessment involving whole animals has been the most accepted principle in toxicity investigation. In recent years, in vitro methods have been developed as potential alternatives to in vivo experiments. These in vitro methods have varying degrees of reliability and acceptance. Some of these may be directly employed as replacements for in vivo models; the other techniques are currently suitable only as screens or adjunct tests. Toxicologists have been working hard to develop new in vitro methods to be used in place of existing in vivo animal studies and thus secure a place in the regulatory battery of tests.