PETA science group co-edits special issue of journal on human-relevant toxicity testing

Lausanne, Switzerland — Scientists from PETA Science Consortium International e.V., international government agencies, and the chemical industry have coedited the Frontiers Research Topic “Chemical Testing Using New Approach Methodologies” and coauthored articles for In Vitro Toxicology, a section of the journal Frontiers in Toxicology. Frontiers, the third most cited publisher in the world, included the Research Topic as an opportunity to highlight diverse approaches to assess chemical toxicity without the use of animals.

Altogether, the Research Topic includes nine articles about non-animal toxicity testing. The full issue can be accessed here.

Two articles in the Research Topic coauthored by the Science Consortium point out existing opportunities to use non-animal testing methods and provide examples of their use to meet regulatory testing requirements. The non-animal tests described have been used to replace the use of animals in tests to assess how chemicals affect the lungs, if they’re absorbed through the skin, or if they cause an allergic skin reaction. The articles also highlight remaining impediments to the use of non-animal tests and opportunities when improvements can be made to expand their acceptance. The other article coauthored by the Science Consortium is one of three included in the Research Topic that focus on assessing the toxicity of inhaled chemicals on the human respiratory tract.

Before chemicals, pharmaceutical drugs, pesticides, and other products are bought and sold, regulatory agencies around the world require these substances to be tested for their potential to harm humans or the environment. Millions of animals are used each year in these tests, many of which are decades old, but innovative, animal-free tests can replace them and offer protection from harmful chemicals.

“We’re pleased to partner with forward-thinking scientists to create a Research Topic dedicated to non-animal toxicity testing,” says Science Consortium President Dr. Amy Clippinger. “With contributions from more than 70 authors from seven countries, the breadth of authorship shows the widespread interest in advancing non-animal toxicity testing approaches.”

For more information, please visit ThePSCI.eu.