New scientific society established to promote non-animal toxicological testing methods

Inspired by a National Academy of Sciences' report calling for a new toxicity testing strategy, the Institute for In Vitro Sciences, Inc. (IIVS) and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) announce the formation of a new scientific society to promote the development and use of non-animal toxicological testing methods. This will be the first scientific society in North America devoted to such a mission.

The American Society for Cellular and Computational Toxicology (ASCCT) will provide an organized forum for discussion of cellular (in vitro) and computational toxicology approaches, especially as replacements for animal-based toxicology methods. Through regular meetings and activities, the Society will facilitate the development, acceptance, and routine use of cellular and computational methods by open dialog between industry, academic, advocacy, and regulatory scientists. The Society will strive to include the participation of young scientists to promote their contributions to the field.

IIVS and PCRM were inspired to create the Society by the surge of interest in toxicology since the publication of the 2007 National Academy of Sciences report, Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century: A Vision and Strategy.

"The strong commitment of American scientists to alternative testing methods is illustrated by the National Academy of Sciences report, increased Environmental Protection Agency funding for non-animal methods, and other recent developments," says Erin Hill, Vice President of Program Development for IIVS. "With several similar societies in Europe, Asia and South America, it is time for North American scientists to meet on a regular basis to share developments in the field."

While the two organizations plan to play an active founding role in the new Society, it is hoped other organizations will enthusiastically support its growth, says Kristie Sullivan, MPH, Scientific and Policy Advisor, PCRM. "We invite scientists from industry, regulatory agencies, and advocacy groups to become involved in the formation of the new society to ensure its success," says Sullivan. "Active participation will create a dynamic forum to share information and accelerate the development and use of in vitro and in silico methods, and help to make toxicology a more human-relevant -- and more humane -- science."