ATLA::Alternatives to Laboratory Animals

Volume 30, Supplement 2

ECVAM's activities on computer modelling and integrated testing

ATLA 30, Supplement 2, 133-137, 2002

Andrew P. Worth

ECVAM, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, European Commission Joint Research Centre, 21020 Ispra (VA), Italy

SUMMARY

This paper introduces the basic concepts of quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR), expert system and integrated testing strategy, and explains how the analogy between QSARs and prediction models leads naturally to criteria for the validation of QSARs. ECVAM's in-house research programme on QSAR modelling and integrated testing is summarised, along with plans for the validation of QSAR models and expert system rulebases at the European Union level.

Keywords: computer modelling, prediction model, quantitative structure-activity relationship, testing strategy