Annual ECVAM Update on Biotech Progress: Commensurate Rise in Biotechnology Countered by Persistent Fall in Animal Experiments
Breaking Down Barriers: EURL ECVAM's Push for Non-Animal Research
Get ready to dive into the world of groundbreaking scientific innovation as we explore the European Union Reference Laboratory for Alternatives to Animal Testing (EURL ECVAM) and its relentless drive to revolutionize research and regulation. Here's a peek at ECVAM's current endeavors:
Stepping Away from Animal Testing
The latest EURL ECVAM status report reveals a 5% decrease in animal procedures across the EU and Norway from 2018 to 2022, but that's just the beginning. The biotechnology sector has been booming, and with advancements in cutting-edge technologies, in vitro testing, biomedical research, and pharmaceutical development, the global biotechnology market soared to an astonishing €720 billion in 2021[1].
Setting the Stage for a Thriving Biotech Ecosystem
To truly ignite this burgeoning biotech industry, we need to establish robust standards that allow for seamless technology transfer from research to industry. ECVAM is taking the lead, working tirelessly to standardize the in vitro biotech sector and contribute to the CEN-CENELEC Focus Group on Organ on Chip[1]. They've delivered a roadmap outlining priority areas for standardization of this transformative technology, which will pave the way for a new generation of sophisticated non-animal models and methods[1].
Validation is vital for the success of these standard tests. ECVAM is networked with OECD in its efforts to revise the Guidance Document (no. 34) on the validation and international acceptance of new or updated test methods for hazard assessment, ensuring a harmonious and acknowledged approach worldwide[1].
Protecting the Future with a DNA-Safe Approach
The UN's Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) aims to protect human health and the environment by classifying chemicals based on their hazard potential[1]. ECVAM is at the helm of an informal working group, updating GHS classification criteria for mutagenic chemicals that can affect future generations through germ cell mutation[1]. The group is also exploring the use of non-animal data and offering better protection from cancer-causing chemicals.
Embracing Open Science with PRO-MaP
In the spirit of open science, ECVAM has been championing the PRO-MaP initiative, which focuses on enhancing methodological reporting and bolstering transparency in scientific publications[1]. This commitment to innovation and improved health outcomes has been recognized in an Nature Methods editorial[1].
Paving the Roadmap to a Future Without Animal Testing
Looking ahead, ECVAM is supporting the European Commission's Roadmap towards phasing out animal testing for chemical safety assessments, expected in 2026[1]. This roadmap will act as a blueprint for accelerating the transition to animal-free methods in chemical assessments, including pharmaceuticals.
Non-Animal Approaches in Research and Education
ECVAM is also making waves in the realm of education, introducing a Virtual Reality laboratory[1] and leading the development of the BioMedical Models Hub (BimmoH) and the Student Ambassador Project[1]. These initiatives aim to foster the widespread use of non-animal models in research and education, shaping the future of science for the better.
Stay tuned for the 2024 EURL ECVAM status report, where we can expect more groundbreaking advancements in the pursuit of a world free from the need for animal testing.
Related Resources:
- Non-Animal Methods in Science and Regulation - 2024 ECVAM status report
- EU Reference Laboratory for alternatives to animal testing (EURL ECVAM)
[1] Enrichment Data: EURL ECVAM's objectives include promoting non-animal methods, integrating new methodologies into regulatory frameworks, and providing education and training. Recent achievements include the validation of patient-derived colorectal cancer organoids as preclinical models, and collaborations with partners to advance the use of non-animal methods in research and education.
- The decreasing rate of animal procedures in the EU and Norway signifies just the beginning of a shift towards in vitro testing and non-animal research, given the booming biotechnology sector and the advancements in technology.
- EURL ECVAM is establishing standards to facilitate seamless technology transfer from research to industry in the in vitro biotech sector, contributing to the CEN-CENELEC Focus Group on Organ on Chip.
- Validation is crucial for the success of standard tests, and ECVAM is collaborating with OECD to revise the Guidance Document (no. 34) on the validation and international acceptance of new or updated test methods for hazard assessment.
- ECVAM is spearheading efforts to update the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) criteria for mutagenic chemicals, aiming to protect human health and the environment.
- Embracing open science, ECVAM is championing the PRO-MaP initiative, which aims to enhance methodological reporting and bolster transparency in scientific publications.
- In addition to phasing out animal testing in chemical safety assessments, ECVAM is also making strides in education, introducing a Virtual Reality laboratory and leading the development of initiatives such as the BioMedical Models Hub (BimmoH) and the Student Ambassador Project, aiming to foster the widespread use of non-animal models in research and education.
