A recently published article in the Parliament Magazine about the REACH revision mentioned the collaboration of the H2020-funded projects ONTOX, PrecisionTox and RISK-HUNT3R, known as the ASPIS cluster.
“ASPIS Cluster, a joint collaboration of the H2020-funded projects ONTOX, PrecisionTox and RISK-HUNT3R representing the EU’s efforts towards a sustainable, animal-free and reliable chemical risk assessments, came in timely as it can largely contribute to the ongoing debate on the REACH revision,” wrote Eli Hadzhieva, Director of the Dialogue for Europe, in the op-ed named “Delivering a toxic-free environment”.
ASPIS cluster projects elaborate the innovative new approach methodologies (NAMs) based on genomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics, in vitro and in silico methodologies, artificial intelligence and ontology frameworks. Such advanced methods could be the solution on how to test a high amount of chemicals intended for market products, with a faster pace and lower costs, in comparison to animal testing.
Besides, the REACH regulation stipulates that testing on animals should be the last resolution. EU feels not only ethical but also legal need of the NAMs vast implementation in the regulatory chemical testing. ONTOX together with the other two ASPIS cluster projects aims to expand the implementation of the NAMs into the EU regulatory system.
“If we do not adopt these new methods, we will simply lack the ability to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of chemicals while failing to achieve the EU objective of a toxic-free environment,” Eli Hadzieva wraps up.
You can read the full article in the ParliamentMagazine, an active and engaging forum for discussion on the latest developments in EU politics and policy.