March 2017

Multiparametric Image Analysis of Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion Cultures to Evaluate Peripheral Neuropathy-Inducing Chemotherapeutics

March 30, 2017
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a major, dose-limiting adverse effect experienced by cancer patients. Advancements in mechanism-based risk mitigation and effective treatments for CIPN can be aided by suitable in vitro assays.  To this end, we developed a multiparametric morphology-centered rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) assay. Read article....

Precision Digital Dispensing of Patterned Picoliter Quantities of Test Material onto Apical Surfaces of Human 3D-Reconstructed Airway Tissues

March 30, 2017
There is an increasing need for researchers to understand the dynamic aspects of inhaled tobacco product exposure. Available 3D human reconstructed airway tissues (RHuA) provide researchers with a more physiological platform that offers apical and basal compartments for flexibility in modelling relevant exposures. We have tested the Tecan D300 digital dispenser as potential technical solution to deliver precise amounts of very small vehicle droplets to coat the apical surface of an available RHuA....

Addressing the Assignment of US EPA Hazard Categories for Dermal Safety by a Revised Prediction Model of the Validated In Vitro Skin Irritation Test (OECD TG 439)

March 30, 2017
One of the current goals of the United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Pesticide Programs (US EPA OPP) is to replace by non-animal testing methods as many of the endpoints of the battery of acute toxicity tests known as the “6-pack” as possible. One of the “6-pack” tests is the Draize rabbit test for dermal irritation. We investigated whether the validated in vitro Skin Irritation Test (SIT, OECD TG 439) can be used to determine US EPA OPP dermal...

The 3D Human Reconstructed Skin Micronucleus Assay (RSMN) Using the EpiDerm Tissue: Validation and Application to the Safety Assessment of Cosmetics Ingredients

March 30, 2017
Regulatory restrictions on animal use have increased the reliance of risk assessors and regulators on in vitro test systems. Ideally, tissue-based assays could replace the animal studies as follow-up tools to verify results from standard in vitro assays. The RSMN assay combines the EpiDerm™ 3D reconstructed skin (RS) model with the micronucleus (MN) assay to provide a more realistic model for evaluating the genotoxic potential of dermally applied chemicals or products, such as cosmetics....

IIVS e-News – March 2017

March 10, 2017
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Special issue of Applied In Vitro Toxicology: Next Generation Tobacco Products

March 10, 2017
Check out the recently released special issue of Applied In Vitro Toxicology: Application of In Vitro Toxicology Approaches for the Evaluation of Next-Generation Nicotine Products.  The issue includes several articles by IIVS scientists and other experts. View the issue online....

IIVS e-News – March 2017

March 2, 2017
Read the latest issue of our newsletter: IIVS at SOT 2017: Ancillary Meetings, posters, the IIVS booth;  IIVS 20th Anniversary celebration on June 12,  introducing our new website, update on our new respiratory toxicology lab, and much more.  Read more....

In Vitro Models Available for Testing of ENDS

February 20, 2017
Presented at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's (NAS) workshop on electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), e-cigarettes....

ARDF Offers Research Grants – May 1 Deadline

February 10, 2017
The Alternatives Research & Development Foundation (ARDF), which promotes alternatives to the use of laboratory animals in research, testing, and education, is currently soliciting research proposals for its 2017 Alternatives Research Grant Program. ARDF is offering up to $40,000 to support individual projects. Preference will be given to projects based in U.S. universities and research institutions using pathway-based “21st century toxicology” approaches. Proposals will be evaluated on their potential to significantly replace or reduce animal use and their scientific merit and...

New Advice on Using Non-Animal Test Methods

February 10, 2017
ECHA’s updated guidance gives advice on how to use non-animal test methods, which are now the default for many endpoints. Registrants are encouraged to take the changes into account when deciding their testing strategies.  Read more....