March 2019
Regarding the References for Reference Chemicals of Alternative Methods
March 18, 2019The selection of reference and proficiency chemicals is an important component of method validation and proficiency evaluations. Reference chemicals are a set of test substances used by a method developer to evaluate there liability and relevance of a new method, in comparison to reference data (usually to a validated reference method). Proficiency chemicals, as defined in OECD Guidance Document on Good In Vitro Method Practices, are defined post validation as a subset of the reference chemicals, or other chemicals with...
Increased Throughput and Cryopreservation of Precision-cut Lung Slices Extend the Utility of Human-relevant, 3-Dimensional Pulmonary Test Systems
March 18, 2019Human-relevant, in vitro/ex vivo assays are considered an ethical and economically viable manner by which to screen the thousands of chemicals requiring hazard assessment. Of the 3-dimensional models, human precision-cut lung slices (PCLS) are often considered the most physiologically relevant pulmonary test system, but lower throughput and difficulties in cryopreservation have hampered PCLS use. We have modified a tissue slicer to accommodate 3 tissue cores for simultaneous slicing. Increased slice production was quantified using agarose and tissue cores in the slicer....
Next Generation Tobacco Products and Skin Staining
March 18, 2019Next generation tobacco and nicotine products (NGPs) such as electronic cigarettes (EC) and tobacco heating products (THP) have reduced toxicity and hold great potential for reducing the risks associated with cigarette smoking. NGPs may also have hygiene benefits for consumers that switch to these products. In this study, the level of skin staining was assessed following exposure to a scientific reference cigarette (3R4F) and NGPs across the risk continuum; a prototype EC or a commercial THP (glo™). Test articles (TAs) were...
Australian Bill Passed to End Animal Testing for Cosmetics
February 21, 2019Measures outlined in the Industrial Chemicals Bill 2017, passed by the Australian senate on 19 February, 2019, will apply to both imported and Australian produced chemicals for use as cosmetic ingredients. The commencement date is set for July 2020 although it is believed that the cosmetics industry will not need an entire year to implement changes to comply with the new law. Additionally, the bill includes funding for the development of alternative test methods. Read the full article....
Biologist I
January 16, 2019We are seeking full time Biologists I (entry level) 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. Specific Responsibilities Include, but are not limited to: Conduct basic technical assignments in the performance of in vitro or...
Laboratory Technician (Entry Level)
January 16, 2019We are seeking a full time Laboratory Technician 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. Job Requirements A working knowledge of the proper/safe handling of chemicals and hazardous materials (training provided) Demonstrated competence in...
Register For ICCVAM’s Free Webinar on In Vitro Inhalation Toxicity Testing
January 10, 2019NICEATM will organize a free webinar on behalf of ICCVAM on January 22, 2019 between 1:00-2:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Registration will be required. Topics will include an overview of ongoing collaborative efforts, as well as the presentation of a case study on refining inhalation risk assessment for point of contact toxicity that uses a source-to-outcome approach with both in vitro and in silico methods. The preliminary agenda and additional information about presentations will be posted when available....