National Toxicology Program

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.