IIVS Newsletter - September 2021

What's New at IIVS:

It’s been a very exciting year in the field of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) with the release of the OECD 497 and 498 Test Guidelines which have codified Defined Approaches for Skin Sensitization and the Reconstructed Human Epidermis Phototoxicity Test, respectively.

As we move into the final stretch of the year, IIVS is excited to be taking part in or sponsoring several (virtual) events promoting the benefits and advances in NAMs, including the following:

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is sponsoring a series of five NURA virtual training sessions focused on available methods and strategies for avoiding or reducing animal tests when assessing chemicals and pesticides for the main six acute endpoints commonly referred to as the “6-pack.” Methods and strategies presented will be applicable to pesticides, antimicrobials, and other products. Each session will feature three to four short lectures and a final roundtable discussion in a Zoom Webinar format. Attendees will be able to ask questions and provide comments; other applications may be used to enable additional interaction between attendees and panelists.

Sessions are free and held every Thursday from 9:00 – 11:30 AM US ET.

Session 1, September 9: Oral and Dermal Toxicity

Session 2, September 16: Dermal Sensitization

IIVS Speaker:

Hans Raabe, COO

Title: Experience with SENS-IS

Session 3, September 23: Skin and Eye Irritation

IIVS Speaker:

Hans Raabe, COO

Title: In Vitro Methods for Skin and Eye Irritation

Session 4, September 30: Inhalation Toxicity

IIVS Speaker:

Vivek Patel, PhD, Toxicologist II

Title: Respiratory Tools and Assays for Regulatory Toxicology

Session 5, October 7: Opportunities and Outlook

Also, don’t miss the 10th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Cellular and Computation Toxicology October 12-14. This year’s theme is: Practical applications of new tools in toxicology. Registration is complimentary for this year’s meeting.

Hans Raabe, COO for IIVS, will be presenting at the Midwest Regional Chapter of the Society of Toxicology on October 15 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDT. The title of his talk will be: New Approach Methodologies for Assessing Skin Sensitization: Test Methods and Defined Approaches. *Membership is required for registration. Click the photo below for further information.

Dr. Emilia Costin, Director of Laboratory Services, will be presenting on “Non-Animal Testing Strategies for Dermal Safety & Efficacy Assessment of Cosmetic and Personal Care Products” at the Personal Care Products Council’s Science Symposium on October 27.

IIVS will also present 2 posters at EUROTOX (September 27-October 1):

Human Precision-cut Lung Slices: Development of a cryopreservation strategy for “on-demand” use (Abstract ID: 406)
Improving Quality of In Vitro Methods: A GIVIMP Certification Program (Abstract ID: 77)

Erin Hill, IIVS President, will be taking part in a panel discussion on November 9 at the 13^th Chemical Regulatory Annual Conference & Asian Helsinki Chemicals Forum. The topic will be: How to Accelerate the Replacement of Animal Toxicity Testing. The roundtable will take place at 15:30-17:00 China Standard Time (GMT+8:00) and the moderator is Ms. Patience Browne from the OECD. Q&A will follow directly afterwards.

We Encourage you to Attend these Events!

We hope you will have the opportunity to take part in at least of one of these events. If we can be of any assistance with product safety of toxicological testing needs at your organization, please don’t hesitate to visit our website or contact us directly. Thank you!

Cryopreserved Precision-Cut Lung Slices are available for purchase directly from IIVS. Please contact us at clientservices@iivs.org for more information.

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