EC presents latest research on alternatives to animal testing

23 June 2004 15:31  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (CNI)--European Union (EU) research projects designed to reduce or replace animal testing in drug research were outlined in Brussels on Wednesday by European Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin.

 

Progress on the replacement, reduction and refining of (3Rs) animal tests was presented at a meeting attended by Prince Laurent of Belgium, president of the Prince Laurent Foundation for Animal Welfare. 

 

The meeting was also scheduled to discuss the proposed registration, evaluation and authorisation of chemicals (Reach) system, which is central to new chemicals legislation being proposed in the European Union (EU).

 

Other topics for discussion included advances in bio-medical research for new treatments and drugs as well as testing requirements of the amended cosmetics directive.

 

Two new EU research projects for alternative testing methods, ReProTect and A-Cute-Tox, were on display, said the European Commission.

 

It said the Euro13.9m ($16.9m) ReProTec project aims to develop a novel approach in hazard and risk assessment or reproductive toxicity by a combination and application of in-vitro, tissue and sensor technologies.

The A-Cute-Tox project, which has a budget of Euro15.65m, will optimise and pre-validate an in-vitro test strategy for predicting human acute toxicity, the EC added. 

Busquin commented: “The newly developed alternative test methods supported by the EU will substantially contribute to the three Rs of reduction, refinement and replacement of animal experimentation and testing, also guaranteeing the highest safety standards for consumers and patients, respect for the environment and animal welfare.”

 

He stressed: “Fostering the Three Rs can only be achieved if there is a joint effort between scientists, national administrations, industry, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and European policy-makers.”

By: Russell Ong
+44 208 652 3214

For the latest chemical news, data and analysis that directly impacts your business sign up for a free trial to ICIS news - the breaking online news service for the global chemical industry.

Get the facts and analysis behind the headlines from our market leading weekly magazine: sign up to a free trial to ICIS Chemical Business.

Printer Friendly