The use of non-whole animal test methods transforms the way regulatory requirements are applied in preclinical testing. Recent global regulatory initiatives emphasize the importance of transitioning to human relevant assays and test systems that do not use animals. When these methods are moved from research into the regulated arena, GLP principles must be followed. The GLPs were originally written in the 1970s, when the vast majority of regulated research was performed using animals as the test system. Current innovative, alternative test systems include ex vivo tissues, manufactured biological systems, three dimensional tissue constructs, and cell cultures maintained in dynamic flow bioreactors. Each type of alternative test system raises new quality and compliance points to consider when used within a regulatory context. Just as the applications of these methods have advanced with regulatory acceptance, the quality control and compliance of these test systems must also progress.
August 28, 2017