The United States and the European Union have separately taken steps to accelerate the phasing out of animal testing of chemicals.
For the first time in five years, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has updated its list of alternative test methods to replace the use of animal studies, also known as New Approach Methods (NAMs).
The 13 NAMs from external authoritative bodies add to the EPA’s approved list that industry, researchers, and other stakeholders use to comply with testing requirements. for chemical assessments under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
New additions to the list include a new method to evaluate eye hazards with reconstructed human cells; a method to evaluate phototoxicity using a 3D human cell-based tissue model; and combinations of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)-validated in chemico and in vitro test data to identify potential dermal sensitization hazard, dermal sensitization potency, and a quantitative point-of-departure.
The EPA is also introducing a streamlined process for researchers, companies, and other stakeholders to nominate NAMs for consideration in pesticide and chemical assessments.
EPA will review any first-round submissions that are sent to nam@epa.gov and then pursue any promising submissions further by providing the submitter with an in-depth form to complete about the NAM, which will then be evaluated by EPA scientists.
“With today’s announcement, we’re accelerating the shift to modern, gold standard science – without the use of animal testing – by using new, innovative methods to review chemicals,” said EPA administrator Lee Zeldin.
“By broadening high-quality alternatives and inviting strong new candidates, we can deliver faster, more protective decisions while reducing animal testing,” he added.
Meanwhile, the European Commission has published a roadmap to phase out animal testing for chemical safety assessments.
With 22 actions under three pillars, the roadmap envisages gradually replacing animal testing for chemical safety assessments in 15 domains, including chemicals for industrial and consumer uses, pesticides and biocides, pharmaceuticals, and food and feed additives.
The Commission will start implementing the roadmap immediately, in close collaboration with Member States, EU agencies and stakeholders.
By 2029, the Commission will organise a high-level conference to take stock of progress.
The conference will focus on the increased use and uptake of non-animal approaches in all relevant EU legislation, including REACH.
“Today is a good day for animals and shows that Europe cares,” said Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy.
“Phasing out animal testing for chemical safety assessments based on innovation will be a triple win for animals, the environment and companies,” she added.
