3Rs Quarterly

RIVM published a video in the peer reviewed scientific video journal JoVE for culturing and exposing human bronchial epithelial cells at the air-liquid interface (ALI) that mimics realistic, repeated inhalation exposure conditions used for toxicity testing. Characteristics of both the model and of the exposure system are presented in detail. These are essential for achieving a realistic inhalation exposure model that can be used for toxicity testing of repeated exposures to airborne particles.

ZonMw and NCad have explored the feasibility and willingness among stakeholders for a Dutch consortium to accelerate the transition towards animal-free research. The main recommendation written in the final report is to focus on establishing a programme for research and innovation rather than just a single consortium. A result-driven approach, including an intensified network creation and coordination are marked-up as key aspects to focus on in the follow-up trajectory.

The research for this PhD thesis was performed by Victoria de Leeuw of RIVM and Utrecht University, and was funded by Stichting Proefdiervrij and the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. Her thesis describes two stem-cell based tests to assess compound-induced developmental neurotoxicity. These models were sensitive to compound exposure in line with in vivo data. More research is needed to better understand these assays and to combine them with other animal-free methods. 

By 2027 EFSA’s aim is that the large majority of their requests for additional data will be based on new approach methodologies. To achieve this goal, EFSA has put out the question to develop a roadmap that define EFSA’s priorities to increase the use of new approach methodologies in food and feed risk assessment. RIVM, together with Frauenhofer (lead), Danish Technical University, Vrije Universiteit and Eura AG, is involved in building this roadmap. The roadmap will be presented to EFSA in the beginning of next year.

The RISK-HUNT3R consortium, led by Prof. Bob van de Water (Leiden University) and consisting of 37 partners, received 23 million euros from the European Commission to develop a novel and modular framework for animal-free next generation risk assessment. RIVM is leading the workpackage “Integrative Strategies for Next Generation Risk Assessment” and provides significant contributions to other workpackages. Ultimately, RISK-HUNT3R aims to prove via case studies that citizens can be protected against hazardous chemicals using non-animal methods.

The ONTOX consortium aims to provide a sustainable solution for advancing human risk assessment of chemicals without animal use in line with the principles of 21st century toxicity testing and next generation risk assessment. Starting from establishing ontologies of human physiology, comprehensive adverse outcome pathway networks will be derived for six specified disease cases, based on which test batteries and computational models will be generated for hazard assessment of chemical exposures. UU/RIVM focusses on neural tube closure.

Two Dutch research groups will work together with industry on animal-free innovations. In one of the projects, researchers from the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) and RIVM will collaborate with Vivaltes and Toxys to create in vitro test systems for compounds that are challenging to assess like volatile, instable and lipophilic compounds. The project will develop a decision tree to help toxicologists decide how best to dose and control the exposure of their test chemical in their particular in vitro assay. 

NWO has funded six Dutch research projects that will develop human measurement models for research into the treatment and/or prevention of diseases. Researchers and the partners involved will work on innovative measurement methods to better understand and treat for example heart, brain and eye diseases. A total of 11 research institutions, 19 companies and 8 not-for-profit organisations are involved in the projects.

The European Union has launched the ALURES statistical database that provides numbers of animals and which species have been used in research and testing, routine production and education and training in the EU. The database allows for selecting for application, country of origin, genetic status, severity of procedures, and much more. 

New projects

SMART Organ-on-a-Chip project

New innovations

Seizure liability testing using iPSC-derived neurons | iPSC-based cardiomyocytes for clinical applications | Cartilage-on-a-chip for disease modelling | Gut-on-a-chip for protein and compound screening | VR for anatomy education | Human brain organoids for disease modelling