ICCVAM/ECVAM Early Collaboration Explored To Hasten Animal Alternatives
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Faster validation of animal alternative test methods is dependent upon increased collaboration between the Interagency Coordinating Committee for the Validation of Alternative Methods and the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods, according to leaders of both groups
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Faster validation of animal alternative test methods is dependent upon increased collaboration between the Interagency Coordinating Committee for the Validation of Alternative Methods and the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods, according to leaders of both groups. Speaking at the first meeting of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Alternative Toxicological Methods (SACATM) in Arlington, Va. Dec. 5, ICCVAM Chair Leonard Schechtman, PhD, said "If it's collaborated from the outset, where there is partnering before the initiation and validation process, then this offers the greatest opportunities for accord and mutual endorsement." ECVAM Institute for Health and Consumer Protection leader Thomas Hartung, PhD, agreed, stating the current system, which involves each panel reviewing different test methods at different times, is not as efficient as a harmonized process would be. The two groups have collaborated in the past, but largely by sharing data after one panel has reviewed a test method already. Earlier this year, ICCVAM adopted three alternative test methods to evaluate dermal corrosivity using an expedited review process based upon earlier ECVAM validation (1 'The Tan Sheet' Aug. 12, 2002, In Brief). A streamlined evaluation process would require ICCVAM and ECVAM to have joint input on chemical selection and study design, conduct joint research and development, co-sponsor validation efforts and propose joint nominations to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development for international acceptance, Schechtman explained. "We will also be seeking ways to make the implementation process itself more efficient," he added. The SACATM panel discussed alternative test method submissions that are likely to be reviewed by ICCVAM in the coming year. The tests include two ocular irritation assays sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive and Gillette. SACATM was organized earlier this year to function as an advisory committee to the director of the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, ICCVAM and The National Toxicology Program Interagency Center for the Evaluation of AlternativeToxicological Methods (2 (Also see "ICCVAM Advisory Committee To Examine Alternative Test Methods" - Pink Sheet, 18 Mar, 2002.), p. 17). |