Industry Council Formed to Advance Regulatory Acceptance of Non-Animal Testing Methods

GAITHERSBURG, Md., May 28, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Institute for In Vitro Sciences Inc., (IIVS) a world renowned leader in the validation, training, and application of non-animal test methods, announces the formation of ICARAA: Industry Council for the Advancement of Regulatory Acceptance of Alternatives. ICARAA was formed in response to international regulations that still require animal testing to assess the safety of cosmetic and personal care products. "Many companies have been working for decades to eliminate animal testing," states Dr. Rodger Curren, President of IIVS. "As a non-profit organization with a mission to expand the use and acceptance of in vitro methods, IIVS is well positioned to assist international regulatory agencies in the adoption of such technologies. With the combined support of the industry partners we are able to significantly expand and sharpen our efforts."

ICARAA activities focus on educational programs that include lectures, laboratory demonstrations, hands-on training and data interpretation. Priority is given to those in vitro tests that have been widely used by the personal care and cosmetic industries and recognized by the OECD.  Currently, ICARAA is also working with a major university and a biotechnology company to help increase the number of in vitro testing laboratories in China as well as assist with the development of the technology required to conduct in vitro testing.  ICARAA's overall goal is to facilitate movement away from animal testing by China's regulatory agencies. 

ICARAA is currently comprised of a number of companies including:

Avon Products
BASF SE
British American Tobacco Group Research & Development
Colgate-Palmolive Company
The Estee Lauder Companies, Inc.
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Mary Kay Cosmetics
Unilever

About the Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS)

Founded in 1997 as a non-profit organization, IIVS is recognized as a leading provider of in vitro testing and training services. Rigorous scientific programs coupled with educational and outreach initiates have established IIVS as a global leader in the advancement of alternatives to animal testing.  For more information please visit www.iivs.org.

SOURCE Institute for In Vitro Sciences

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