13TH MEETING OF THE SCIENTIFIC GROUP ON METHODOLOGIES FOR THE SAFETY EVALUATION OF CHEMICALS (SGOMSEC) - ALTERNATIVE TESTING METHODOLOGIES AND CONCEPTUALS ISSUES

Substantial world-wide resources are being committed to develop improv ed toxicological testing methods that will contribute to better protec tion of human health and the environment. The development of new metho ds is intrinsically driven by new knowledge emanating from fundamental research in toxicology, carcinogenesis, molecular biology, biochemist ry, computer sciences, and a host of other disciplines. Critical evalu ations and strong scientific consensus are essential to facilitate ado ption of alternative methods for use in the safety assessment of drugs , chemicals, and other environmental factors. Recommendations to haste n the development of new alternative methods included increasing empha sis on the development of mechanism-based methods, increasing fundamen tal toxicological research, increasing training on the use of alternat ive methods, integrating accepted alternative methods into toxicity as sessment, internationally harmonizating chemical toxicity classificati on schemes, and increasing international cooperation to develop, valid ate, and gain acceptance of alternative methods.