The ICCVAM
Authorization Act of 2000 directed ICCVAM to prepare a progress report on its first
anniversary and biennially thereafter. The most recent report is now available, and covers the
period from January 2008 to December 2009.
View ICCVAM 2008-2009 Biennial Report (NIH Publication Number 10-7612) [PDF]
(Please note: Document may take a few moments to download, depending on connection
speed)
View the ICCVAM Authorization Act of 2000
[PDF]
View Federal Register notice announcing publication of the Biennial Report
(75 FR 32942, June 11, 2010)
[PDF]
The report describes ICCVAM activities, test method recommendations, and other progress made
during the 2008-2009 reporting period. Selected highlights include:
- ICCVAM recommended the first two in vitro safety testing methods for determining
whether chemicals and products may cause blindness and other severe eye damage without the need for
live animals. Based on ICCVAM’s evaluation, these test methods were adopted by U.S agencies in 2008
and as international test guidelines in 2009.
- ICCVAM recommended the first two in vitro assays, including one that uses human
cells, that can be used to reduce animal use by up to 50% for assessing the acute oral poisoning
potential of chemicals and products. Federal agencies accepted these recommendations in
2008.
- ICCVAM recommended an updated test method protocol and procedures that reduce
animal use by 20-50% for testing necessary to determine if chemicals and products may cause allergic
skin reactions. Federal agencies adopted the original test method in 1999, and accepted the updated
test in spring 2010. This test, the murine local lymph node assay, also avoids pain and distress
compared to the standard assay.
- The United States, together with the European Union, Canada, and Japan, signed an
agreement for International Cooperation on Alternative Test Methods in 2009 to promote enhanced
international cooperation and coordination among national validation organizations. This agreement
provides a framework for ICCVAM and NICEATM to work cooperatively with these organizations in order
to speed the scientific validation and adoption of new safety testing methods that may further
reduce, refine, and replace animal use while continuing to protect people, animals, and the
environment.
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ICCVAM has contributed to the approval or endorsement of 33 alternative safety testing
methods by Federal regulatory agencies
since its establishment in 1997. Appropriate use of these test methods can significantly reduce animal use and improve animal welfare. ICCVAM has
also recommended critical research, development, and validation efforts needed to further advance
numerous other alternative methods.
The 2008-2009 Biennial Report describes how NICEATM and ICCVAM continue to promote the
development, validation and regulatory
acceptance of new test methods that will reduce, refine, and replace the use of animals in
testing while maintaining and promoting
scientific quality and the protection of people, animals, and the environment.
Past ICCVAM Reports
View ICCVAM 2006-2007 Biennial Report (NIH Publication Number 08-6529) [PDF]
View ICCVAM 2004-2005 Biennial Report (NIH Publication Number 06-4516) [PDF]
View ICCVAM Biennial Report (December 2003: NIH Publication Number 04-4509) [PDF]
View ICCVAM Annual Progress Report (December 2001) [PDF]
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