Make sure to add info@alttox.org to your Safe Senders list! Trouble with links or images? View this message.   AltTox Digest November 2009       Feature Story Highlight of Validation Activity for 2009 An upcoming AltTox In the Spotlight article will review the activities of the international validation centers during 2009. Here we provide a brief summary: In April, the International Cooperation on Alternative Test Methods (ICATM) was established as a collaboration among four agencies, the US NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM), the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM), the Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau within Health Canada, and the Japanese Center for the Validation of Alternative Methods (JaCVAM). This agreement is intended to promote international cooperation and coordination on the scientific validation of toxicity testing methods that replace or reduce the use of animals. A number of test methods and a test scheme were evaluated by ICCVAM and/or ECVAM for their ability to predict eye irritation. None was endorsed as a full replacement method, but some were recommended by peer review panels for specific applications and are now under further review. OECD Test Guidelines 437 and 438, prepared by NICEATM and the ICCVAM Ocular Toxicity Working Group for two ocular test methods, BCOP and ICE, were formally accepted in record time by the OECD in September 2009. ECVAM’s Scientific Advisory Committee issued five new statements. One of these endorsed the Cytosensor Microphysiometer and Fluorescein Leakage methods for limited application for use within the conceptual framework of a testing strategy for eye irritation. JaCVAM has continued to review methods endorsed by ICCVAM and/or ECVAM, and to participate in international validation studies and other international efforts such as ICATM. JaCVAM also conducts their own independent validation studies and peer reviews, and makes regulatory agency recommendations. The new Korean Center for the Validation of Alternative Methods (KoCVAM) was introduced by its Director, Dr. Soon Young Han, at a November meeting in Seoul. A poster at the 7th World Congress on Alternatives described events that have lead to a proposal for the creation of a Brazil Centre for Alternative Test Methods (BCATM). Thank You to our Sponsors!                             New on AltTox Forum Postings Some of the recent posts on the AltTox Forums include the following: Toxicity Endpoints & Tests forum ECHA Calls Again for Information to Avoid Animal Tests OECD Database on Research into the Safety of Manufactured Nanomaterials Emerging Technologies forum Human Embryonic Stem Cell Lines Approved; First Under New NIH Guidelines Micropatterned Cell-Based-Assays in Toxicity Testing Mapping the Human Proteome Programs & Policies forum Endocrine Disruptor Screening Assays: Expert Panel Nominations, Data Requested EFSA consultation on data requirements for flavourings Presentations from the symposium "20 years ZEBET" on Oct. 26-27, 2009 CAAT Chemical Information Day-November 11, 2009 Overarching Challenges & Opportunities forum Invitation to the 2nd i-SUP2010 congress in Bruges from April 18-21, 2010 WC8—Together it is Possible Upcoming Workshop: NAVIGATING OBSTACLES TOWARDS MODERNIZING RISK ASSESSMENT Be sure to visit the forums, respond to previous postings, or start a new message thread. Enter Forums >> New and Updated Information The AltTox.org Management Team and Editorial Board strive to give readers the most up-to-date summary information related to non-animal methods of toxicity testing. Check out our latest material: In the Spotlight Photos from the 7th World Congress on Alternatives The Way Forward A New Perspective on the Past, Present and Future of Toxicity Testing by Sunita Shukla Toxicity Testing Resource Center Table of Validated and Accepted Alternative Methods Informational Resources Meetings & Events In Vitro Testing & Other Services Organizations & Associations Other Literature/Websites Testing Supplies, Cells, Tissues, Software Upcoming Events Here are some of the many upcoming events listed on AltTox that may be of interest to the AltTox community: PPTOXII: Role of Environmental Stressors in the Developmental of Origins of Disease, December 7-10, 2009, Miami Beach, Florida NTP Board of Scientific Counselors Meeting, December 9-10, 2009, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, US Monitoring Cellular Metabolism and Cell Morphology (Hematopoietic Stem Cells), December 11, 2009, Rostock, Germany Latest Advances in Drug Discovery Modelling & Informatics, December 11-12, 2009, Hyderabad, India ECVAM/EPAA Workshop on the Consistency Approach for Quality Control of Vaccines: A 3Rs Opportunity, January 11-12, 2010, Brussels, Belgium More Events >> User Participation We welcome your participation in the AltTox forums, as well as your comments and suggestions, which can be submitted by using the online Website Feedback survey, or by e-mailing info@alttox.org. Please submit your suggestions for the Informational Resources or Events section to info@alttox.org. © 2009 The Humane Society of the United States and Procter & Gamble | All Rights Reserved. The Humane Society of the United States | 2100 L Street, NW | Washington, DC 20037 info@AltTox.org | 202-452-1100 | AltTox.org We are committed to protecting your privacy, so your email address will NEVER be sold, rented, or exchanged. This message was sent to your email address. Visit your subscription management page to modify your email communication preferences or update your personal profile. To stop ALL email from AltTox.org, click here (or reply via email with "remove" in the subject line).