EURL ECVAM Status Report on the Development, Validation and Regulatory Acceptance of Alternative Methods and Approaches (2019)

Abstract

The European Union Reference Laboratory for alternatives to animal testing (EURL ECVAM) is an integral part of the European Commision's Joint Research Centre. The EURL ECVAM status report informs about research and development activities, test method submissions, validation and peer reviews, activities that promote the regulatory acceptance and international adoption of alternative methods and approaches and their dissemination. Replacement, reduction and refinement of animal testing (Three Rs) in basic, applied and translational research, as well as for regulatory purposes is anchored in EU legislation. Innovative technologies (e.g., computational models, in vitro methods, organ-on-chip devices) are developed, evaluated and integrated in assessment strategies for chemicals and products safety testing in order to preserve a high level of protection for human health and the environment. Important activities to promote the development and use of alternative methods and approaches are also pursued in the areas of basic and applied research as well as for education purposes.