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About the National Toxicology Program Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM)

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Regulatory Acceptance of Alternative Methods

The NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM) was established in 1998 to:

  • Administer ICCVAM and its scientific advisory committee
  • Provide technical and scientific support and coordination for ICCVAM and ICCVAM working groups, peer review panels, expert panels, workshops, validation efforts, and the scientific advisory committee
  • Organize committee-related activities, such as peer reviews and workshops for test methods of interest to U.S. Federal agencies
  • Provide a mechanism for communication between agencies as well as between agencies and test method developers
  • Conduct independent validation studies for priority alternative methods that may reduce, refine (decrease or eliminate pain and distress), or replace animal use for regulatory safety testing

NICEATM, in providing support for ICCVAM, also: a) evaluates new test method submissions and nominations for their adherence to the ICCVAM Guidelines for the Nomination and Submission of New, Revised, and Alternative Test Methods, b) assesses the completeness of background review documents submitted for ICCVAM evaluation, c) determines whether and to what extent new, revised, and alternative test methods proposed for ICCVAM evaluation are applicable to regulatory safety testing, and d) assembles information about current best practices for the humane care and use of animals in toxicological research and testing.

NICEATM and ICCVAM seek to promote the validation and regulatory acceptance of toxicological test methods that will enhance their member agencies' ability to assess risks and make decisions, and that will refine, reduce, and/or replace animal use. The ultimate goal is the validation and regulatory acceptance of test methods that are more predictive of adverse human and ecological effects than currently available methods, supporting improved protection of human health and the environment.



NICEATM-ICCVAM Brochure

View the NICEATM-ICCVAM brochure (February 2012) [PDF]

Dr. William Stokes is the director of NICEATM. He is assisted by Deputy Director Dr. Warren Casey, Special Assistant Ms. Deborah McCarley, and contractors employed by Integrated Laboratory Systems, Inc. Dr. Stokes may be contacted by email at niceatm@niehs.nih.gov or by telephone at (919) 541-2384. View complete NICEATM contact information.


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