October 2018

Webinar: Precision-cut Lung Slices

October 5, 2018
Dr. Holger Behrsing, Principal Scientist with IIVS, recently presented "Precision-cut Lung Slices (PCLS)" for the 2018 PETA International Science Consortium webinar series on non-animal inhalation testing methods. ...

IIVS Hosts Quarterly Meeting for SQA’s Computer Validation and IT Compliance (CVIC) Specialty Section

October 4, 2018
The CVIC agenda included a presentation and follow-up discussion on artificial intelligence and computer learning and their use in regulated industry, a panel discussion of cloud computing adoption in “GxP” environments, and open discussion on the use of the “Internet of Things” and data integrity and governance concepts.  In addition to the CVIC member, an FDA representative was on site to gather industry input on specific topics.  IIVS is pleased to support activities like this through the Society of Quality Assurance. If...

Encouraging Regulatory Acceptance of Non-Animal Testing Methods Discussed at Annual SACATM Meeting

October 2, 2018
Among the topics discussed at the annual Scientific Advisory Committee on Alternative Toxicological Methods (SACATM) meeting held in early September was ways to encourage both regulators and regulated industry to use new approach methodologies (NAMs). The meeting brought together experts from academia, industry, and animal welfare organizations and the importance of collaboration among the different groups and geographical regions was a recurring theme. Learn more...

California Passes Ban on Cosmetics Tested on Animals

October 1, 2018
California now has the most stringent cruelty-free policies in the U.S., following Governor Jerry Brown's signing of the bill banning the sale of cosmetic products and ingredients tested on animals.  The California Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act brings California in line with the EU and other global standards but still includes some exemptions for animal tests conducted to achieve compliance with other bodies, leaving some unanswered questions. Learn more...

IIVS Collaborates with BASF and Givaudan to Validate a Non-animal Test for Regulatory Submissions

August 28, 2018
GAITHERSBURG, MD –August 28– The Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS), with an established track record in the validation of alternatives to animal testing, is teaming up with BASF and Givaudan to validate an improved skin sensitization reactivity method to address the needs of toxicologists and regulators. Scientists at BASF and Givaudan have developed the Kinetic Direct Peptide Reactivity Assay (Kinetic DPRA), a non-animal test to predict allergic reactions in the skin known as sensitization. Three other non-animal sensitizer tests have...

2018 Lush Prize Shortlist Announced

August 7, 2018
This year saw entries for the first time from Lebanon, Sri Lanka, and Turkey as the reach of the Lush Prize continues to grow.  From the many entrants, reviewers have selected a shortlist of 56 projects and 17 scientists across five award categories who go through to the final judging phase. Winners will be announced in November. Learn More....

Modernization of EPA “6-Pack” of Acute Toxicity Tests Continues

July 27, 2018
The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) continues to drive significant efforts in the United States to modernize the battery of acute toxicity tests classically known as the “6-pack.” Learn More....

Tiered In Vitro Testing Strategy For Assessing The Ocular and Dermal Irritation/Corrosion Potential of Pharmaceutical Compounds

July 23, 2018
Read our latest publication with Bristol-Myers Squibb regarding a tiered testing strategy for occupational hazards of pharmaceutical intermediates now published in the Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology Journal. Irritation reactions are a frequently reported occupational illness. The potential adverse effects of pharmaceutical compounds (PCs) on employees' eyes and skin can now be assessed using validated in vitro methods. Our overall aim is to reduce animal testing by replacing the historically utilized in vivo test methods with validated in vitro test methods which accurately determine the ocular...

FutureTox IV Registration and Abstract Submission Now Open

July 23, 2018
The Society of Toxicology's FutureTox IV Progress to Maturity: Predictive Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology for Healthy Children is being held in Arlington, VA from November 14 until November 16, 2018. The meeting will focus, among other things, on the impact of environmental factors on developmental health and current translational opportunities and challenges for in vitro data and in silico models in developmental effects assessment and regulatory decision-making for toxicity testing. The Key Note Lectures will be: Assessing Children's Health Trajectories in the Context of Regulatory Decision-Making. Susan...

Laboratory Assistant (Entry Level)

June 28, 2018
We are seeking a part time Laboratory Assistant to work in our Gaithersburg office. This is an exciting opportunity to join and grow with our team to contribute and share in our company vision: A day when methods based on humane, wisely applied science will be used by industry and the regulatory agencies to understand the true safety and efficacy of substances. This position is part time - approximately 20 hours per week. Working hours are flexible; however, need to be...