Information Day On New Approach Methods for Integrated Approaches for Testing and Assessment of Neurotoxicity

Time: 17 January 2019, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Venue: University of Konstanz (Room K7), Konstanz, Germany

Background

Current testing requirements for neurotoxicity evaluation are still mainly based on observations of neurobehavioral and neuropathological effects. NAM methodologies have greatly advanced our understanding of human neurobiology and also of mechanisms of neurotoxicity. However, this has not led to a wide-spread reliance on such methods for hazard assessment. Nevertheless, NAM have been used to complement traditional approaches, and an increasing number of in vitro systems have been incorporated in “integrated approaches to testing and assessment” (IATA).

Besides a general safety evaluation of chemicals for classification and labelling, there are other toxicological tasks that provide better entry points for NAM in neurotoxicity assessment. For instance, IATA, as defined by OECD, use an iterative approach to answer a defined hazard characterization question within a specific regulatory context, and NAM may take a role at some of the stages. Other special applications are the use of neurotoxicity NAM in read-across or in the specific question of excluding particular forms of neurotoxicity, such as peripheral neuropathy or induction of seizures.

Speakers will include representatives from regulatory authorities, academia and industry.