Updates to the US EPA List of Alternative Test Methods to Animal Testing

EPA updated its list of alternative test methods or strategies (or New Approach Methodologies, or NAMs) that do not require new vertebrate animal testing. This furthers the agency’s work under the amended Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), under which EPA committed to reducing and replacing, to the extent practicable and scientifically justified, the use of vertebrate animals in the testing of chemical substances or mixtures.

As part of this effort, in June of last year, EPA developed a Strategic Plan detailing how it would develop and implement the use of NAMs and published a list of acceptable NAMs. Today’s action fulfills Objective 2 of the Plan, which is to Maintain and Regularly Update a List of NAMs. EPA anticipates continually updating this list.

The updated list incorporates the following changes from the original 2018 List:

(*) Added 21 new test guidelines that relate to health and ecological effects

(*) Incorporated six additional EPA policies that reduce the use of animal testing (add footnote if needed)

(*) Implemented a new NAM in the New Chemicals Program

(*) Identified important guidance documents related to reduction of animal testing for use within TSCA

For more information on alternative test methods and strategies to reduce vertebrate animal testing, please visit: www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/alternative-test-methods-and-strategies-reduce

SOURCE: US EPA Newsletter (5.12.2019)