Toward 100% human cell line toxicity testing
Chemicals improve the quality of our lives whether through direct use in pharmaceuticals or through the numerous products in which chemical compounds are incorporated. However, we currently lack the appropriate tools to analyse toxicity quickly, cost effectively and in a way that is directly relevant to human exposure. The EU is currently funding numerous research projects aimed at better understanding of the chemical pathways and cellular mechanisms of toxicity. The goal is to enable automated, human cell line-based in vitro testing for high-throughput and directly interpretable analyses. EU funding of the project AXLR8 enabled the establishment of a focal point for coordination of these efforts. AXLR8 organised annual workshops, roundtable discussions and informational forums. It also served as a bridge between end users and test developers to ensure industry needs and regulatory requirements are met. Having collected information on the latest progress, the team produced annual reports with recommendations concerning funding priorities for rapid and focused achievement of goals. The consortium developed tools, encouraged networking and enhanced public awareness. Effective collaboration, harmonisation and monitoring of research endeavours at national, European and international levels to enable 100% human cell line-based toxicity testing is critical to success. AXLR8 has effectively laid the groundwork for that transition, establishing a coordinated effort and pointing the way to research funding priorities for Horizon 2020. Project research itself has led to numerous scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals. The vision for elimination of animal testing while significantly enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of analyses is on its way to becoming a reality.
Keywords
Toxicity, animal testing, human cell line, chemical safety, regulatory requirements, coordinated research
