Industry and Regulatory Collaboration Pays Off for Animals
GAITHERSBURG, Md., June 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Environmental Protection Agency has updated a policy which will result in fewer products required to be tested in the eyes of rabbits. The policy is the outcome of a multi-year project between industry, the EPA and the non-profit testing laboratory, the Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS). Coordinated by The Accord Group, the project successfully identified three non-animal tests which can be used in place of the rabbit test to determine the eye irritation potential of commonly used household cleaning products.
The majority of cleaning products in the US do not undergo pre-market registration. However, those which carry anti-microbial claims are considered pesticides and animal testing is required by the EPA before they can be sold.
"This policy illustrates the constructive way that industry and the regulatory community can work together to replace the use of animals in testing," comments Dr. Rodger Curren, current CEO of IIVS and lead scientist on the project. "It took a lot of commitment and resources from industry and the EPA to turn this concept into a reality." It is expected that these tests will provide useful information on the eye irritation of other types of products and result in even less animal testing in years to come.
About IIVS: Founded in 1997 IIVS is recognized as a leading provider of in vitro (non-animal) testing and training services. Rigorous scientific programs coupled with outreach initiatives have established IIVS as a global leader in the advancement of alternatives to animal testing. www.iivs.org
SOURCE Institute for In Vitro Sciences
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