The European Union Joint Research Centre for Alternatives to Animal Testing (EURL ECVAM) has issued its 2021 ‘Status Report on the Development, Validation and Regulatory Acceptance of Alternative Methods and Approaches’.

The 2021 EURL ECVAM status report describes research, development and validation activities, as well as initiatives that promote the uptake and use of non-animal methods and approaches in science and regulation. The principle of the Three Rs, i.e. Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal use in basic, applied and translational research, as well as for regulatory purposes is firmly anchored in EU legislation, with full replacement of animal testing being the ultimate goal. New approach methodologies including a variety of innovative technologies, such as in vitro methods using 3D tissues and cells, organ-on-chip, computational models (including artificial intelligence) and ‘omics (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics), are developed, evaluated and integrated in assessment frameworks with a view to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of hazard and risk assessment of chemicals and products in a variety of regulatory contexts. Important activities to promote the development and use of non-animal approaches are also pursued in the areas of basic and applied research, where most of the animals are used, as well as for education purposes.

Download and read the full report here:

Sources:

• Link to download the report: https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC127780
• News item on the EU Science Hub: https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/jrc-news/jrc-supporting-alternatives-animal-testing-2022-04-07_en