IIVS Announces the Opening of a Non-animal Testing Laboratory in China

November 14, 2017

GAITHERSBURG, MD – Nov. 14, 2017 – The Zhejiang Institute for Food and Drug Control (ZJIFDC), responsible for  regulatory review of food, drugs, and cosmetics produced in Zhejiang province, has opened a non-animal testing laboratory after successful scientific collaboration with IIVS.  Based near Shanghai, the ZJIFDC made the decision to open the new lab back in 2013 to keep in line with China’s increased interest in alternatives to animal testing. In preparation, ZJIFDC partnered with IIVS to receive technical training in the implementation, execution, data interpretation and quality practices associated with a high quality non-animal testing laboratory.

“IIVS helped train our staff and provide guidance on implementation as we developed the laboratory” said Yang Li, Vice Director of ZJIFDC and Head of the alternatives laboratory.  “Their assistance, combined with our dedication to the development of a quality laboratory, has led to a successful opening.”

In addition to training from IIVS, ZJIFDC participated in international conferences and workshops to learn best practices – and share their experiences – with alternative test methods.  The ZJIFDC alternatives laboratory is now open to provide services to domestic and international cosmetic companies – including the first non-animal method approved by the CFDA to determine a product’s potential to cause harm after exposure to light.

“Working with the ZJIFDC has been a key component of our collaboration with the CFDA to help implement alternative methods in China” states Erin Hill, President of IIVS. “China is working diligently to build capacity and infrastructure in alternative methods to support future changes in regulations. The opening of the Zhejiang alternatives laboratory is a significant step toward this goal and we are honored to have been a part of its success.”

About the Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS)
IIVS is a non-profit organization wholly dedicated to the promotion of rapid and innovative non-animal test methods. Founded in 1997, IIVS is recognized as a leading provider of in vitro testing in support of toxicological safety evaluations. Rigorous scientific programs coupled with educational and outreach initiatives have established IIVS as a global leader in the advancement of alternatives to animal testing. For more information, visit us at www.iivs.org.

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Media Contact:
Laura Henning
lhenning@iivs.org
240-454-8459

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