EPAA: A joint initiative

Nobody likes animal testing. That is why many millions of euro have been devoted to research into alternative ways to assess safety. Already this investment has produced some important results, and made it possible to reduce the number of animals used in meeting legally-required tests. But in certain cases the only way at present to understand the safety risks posed by medicines, consumer goods, chemicals or pesticides is to conduct tests that use animals. So more research - and better co-ordinated research - is still needed to continue refining, reducing and replacing animal use.

To boost this coordinated research effort, the European Partnership on Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing (EPAA) was launched in November 2005 by European Commission Vice President Günter Verheugen and Science & Research Commissioner Janez Potočnik.

The EPAA is an unprecedented collaboration between the European Commission and major companies from seven industry sectors. The partners are committed to pooling knowledge, research and resources to accelerate the development, validation and acceptance of alternative approaches over an initial five-year period.

The Three Rs Declaration - EPAA Potential and Benefits - An Action Programme for Change - EPAA Members

 

Highlights of EPAA activities

The partnership focuses on mapping existing research, developing new alternative approaches and strategies, and promoting communication, education, validation and acceptance of alternative approaches. Some of the principal current activities are:

  • Exploring the use of an extended one-generation study to replace the two-generation study required by REACH. Four companies are checking the feasibility of this approach, which has a huge reduction potential. More...
  • An in vitro metabolism project addresses one of the greatest unmet challenges for complete replacement. Methods used in different sectors/companies are being compared so as to optimize the current toolbox and identify gaps. This could lead to EU research programmes issuing specific calls for the development of projects with replacement and reduction potential. More...
  • For systemic toxicity testing, in addition to optimizing currently used methods and approaches, EPAA also examines research opportunities to develop innovative non-animal approaches. Outcomes of the scientific workshop that took place in April 2008 with the participation of scientists representing the cutting edge of different scientific areas will be further explored. More...
  • The role of acute toxicity testing is being reviewed by EPAA to check where and how these tests are used in a scientific and regulatory context for product development across several industry sectors. Opportunities for test waiver or improved study design are being explored. More...
  • Dissemination of information about existing replacement, reduction and refinement methods is one of the conditions for better implementation of 3Rs and quicker acceptance by regulatory authorities.  Having surveyed various recipients of 3Rs information, EPAA identified three potential gaps that would be further explored at a workshop and conference in November 2009: better accessibility of existing information, raising profile of 3Rs research amongst young researchers and creating mechanisms/opportunities for dialogue between the regulators and researchers. More...
  • EPAA partners work together to optimize the validation of replacement and reduction methods, through improved communication between validators and applicants, and by addressing administrative delays within the validation process. More...
  • Before a method can be used in the context of a product authorization, regulatory authorities must accept it. EPAA partners are looking into different possibilities to accelerate that process, through improved information, reapplication of solutions across sectors, and international regulatory dialogue. More...