ATLA::Alternatives to Laboratory Animals

Volume 30, Supplement 2

Future activities: ECVAM and the quality control of biologicals

ATLA 30, Supplement 2, 225-226, 2002

Klaus Cussler,1 Marlies Halder2 and Coenraad Hendriksen3,4

1Paul-Ehrlich-institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Strasse 51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany; 2ECVAM, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, European Commission Joint Research Centre, 21020 Ispra (VA), Italy; 3National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands; 4Netherlands Centre Alternatives to Animal Use (NCA), Utrecht University, Yalelaan 17, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands

SUMMARY

ECVAM's activities in the field of biologicals have contributed in many ways to the successful incorporation of Three Rs methods, as summarised elsewhere in these proceedings. The progress achieved is impressive, but large numbers of animals are still needed in order to meet the requirements stipulated by various regulations. ECVAM's activities in this area should therefore be continued and extended. Besides the well-established organisation of ECVAM workshops and contributions to conferences, further prevalidation and validation studies should be funded. In addition, studies on refinement, and training courses on validated and well-established Three Rs methods, could be initiated. There is a need for more communication and information exchange, especially between regulators and industry concerning the Three Rs. ECVAM could provide a suitable forum for such activities. An ECVAM Biologicals Task Force should be established in order to define a list of priorities.

Keywords: biologicals, ECVAM, future activities, quality control, Three Rs