The EU NETVAL comprises 26 members, including EURL ECVAM (European Union Reference Laboratory for Alternatives to Animal Testing). Germany is represented by seven laboratories. The objective of the network is to support the work of EURL ECVAM and to evaluate the reliability and relevance of alternative methods with the potential of replacing, reducing or refining animal experiments.

The programme included clarification of the legal framework regarding the establishment of networks, the scope of the tasks and the manner in which EURL ECVAM intends to perform multi-study validation experiments. Examples of current validation studies were presented. The introduction of a ring study aiming to develop guidelines and standards for future regulatory approval of an in vitro test based on the androgen receptor transactivation assay (ARTA) was also discussed.

In addition, the implementation of the EU strategy on endocrine disrupters and the OECD conceptual framework for testing and evaluation of endocrine effective chemicals should be supported. Another topic was the development of a guideline for the implementation of “Good In Vitro Method Practices”.

The meeting was held in Ispra (Varese), the seat of the EURL ECVAM.

For more information:
http://ihcp.jrc.ec.europa.eu/our_labs/eurl-ecvam/eu-netval/inaugural-meeting-of-eu-netval
http://ihcp.jrc.ec.europa.eu/our_labs/eurl-ecvam/eu-netval