News from EURL ECVAM

A new JRC study on SARS-CoV-2 examines the existing literature on how this coronavirus enters and infects the human body, exploring how scientists are currently using new innovative technologies based on human biology and mathematics-based methods to better understand the virus and develop new treatments.

The JRC adds a new knowledge base of 542 models used in the immuno-oncology field to its freely available collection of advanced non-animal models for biomedical research.

The JRC has published an independent scientific peer review of two Genomic Allergen Rapid Detection (GARD) test methods for the assessment of chemicals inducing skin allergies.

The COVID-19 pandemic is engaging a great number of scientists worldwide and published knowledge is increasing at an exponential rate. The JRC’s CIAO project gives the scientific community a reliable map to navigate through the COVID-19 knowledge ocean. Why not join the effort!

The JRC’s EU Reference Laboratory for alternatives to animal testing (EURL ECVAM) contributed to the new OECD guideline on Defined Approaches for skin sensitisation. This can replace the need for animal testing and represents the first example of international standards for chemical safety assessment based on the integration of non-animal data.

To mark Parkinson’s awareness month, the JRC has published a freely available knowledge base of non-animal models to advance research into neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

JRC researchers have led the development of international guidance to support the use of physiologically based kinetic models in chemical risk assessment. The guidance document has been adopted and published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

ECHA has published advice to registrants on how to reliably combine different sources of alternative data when assessing skin sensitisation of chemicals. This reduces the need to test on animals, while protecting people from allergies. The advice is based on a recent OECD guideline.

The 2018 statistical data on the use of animals for scientific purposes has been released. Data, now also submitted by Norway, can be reviewed using ALURES Statistical EU Database, or by the accompanying 2018 Summary Report.

With 667 votes to 4 Parliament adopted a resolution urging the EU to accelerate the transition to a research system that does not use animals.

The OECD will organise a webinar on 18 October 2021 at 14:00 to discuss the implementation of the Defined Approaches on Skin Sensitisation for chemical safety in member countries. This webinar will pave the way for companies and authorities to determine the environmental toxicity of chemicals without having to resort to animal testing.

The aim of this event is to give participants insight on EPAA achievements in 2021, announce the EPAA Refinement prize winner, and to discuss its role in the EU Chemical Strategy for Sustainability. A draft programme and registration will be available soon on the EPAA website.