The OECD is increasingly exploring the use of alternative (non-animal) methods to aid the chemical risk assessment process. In 2021, the OECD published a Guidance Document on the Characterisation, Validation and Reporting of Physiologically Based Kinetic (PBK) Models For Regulatory Purposes that aims to increase the confidence in the use of PBK models parameterised with data derived from in vitro and in silico methods, and help address “unfamiliar” uncertainties associated with these methods. Shortly after, the OECD organised an introductory webinar on “Gaining acceptance in next generation PBK modelling approaches for regulatory assessments”. This first webinar covered the assessment framework for PBK models that was developed to evaluate the attributes and uncertainties of these models and included discussions on sensitivity analysis.

The second webinar will focus on the application of the assessment framework for PBK models. It will present two case studies and illustrate how the templates of the guidance were used to report and evaluate PBK models. A discussion will also take place on challenges related to the regulatory evaluation of PBK models and clarifications on aims and scope of these models will be provided.

If you are from the community of PBK model developers, or the proponent of a model in a regulatory submission, or a regulator who needs to assess the applicability of the models in chemical evaluations, this webinar is for you.

Programme: (Time CET)
13.00-13.10 Welcoming - Magda Sachana (OECD)
13.10-13.20 Short introduction to the OECD PBK Guidance - Cecilia Tan (US EPA)
13.20-13.35 Reporting and evaluation of PBK models - Bette Meek (University of Ottawa)
13.35 -13:50 Developing a PBK model: EFSA case study - Jean Lou Dorne (EFSA)
13.50-14:05 Developing a PBK model: NTP case study - Xiaoqing Chang (Inotiv)
14.05-14.40 Review of the two case studies - Bette Meek (University of Ottawa), Cecilia Tan (US EPA), Jean Lou Dorne (EFSA), Xiaoqing Chang (Inotiv)
14.40-15.00 Q&A - Moderated by Alicia Paini (esqLABS GmbH)

OpenTox 2021 Interns present:

• Covid-19 Vaccination Safety in the U.S: Descriptive and Predictive Analysis (Nemsa Mousa)
• An Online Repository For Computational Toxicology Softwares And Databases (Daniel Ukaegbu)

Thursday, 31 March 2022 
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM CEST

The European Commission and ECHA are organising an online information session to address technical questions that industry, such as ink formulators and tattoo artists, might have on the implementation of the restriction. The aim is to help those impacted to meet the new legal requirements set by Annex XVII of the EU’s chemicals legislation, REACH.

While returning to in-person meetings is highly anticipated, some individuals will be unable to travel to San Diego—but SOT is ensuring that all can participate in this year's meeting. Through digital offerings, registrants off-site will be able to remotely join the San Diego proceedings for scientific presentations and discussions.

The abstract submission deadline is Wednesday, 1 December 2021.

16 March 2022, 12:45 - 16:45 CET
17 March 2022, 9:00 - 13:30 CET

Topics:

• Metabolites
• Cumulative assessment
• Evaluation of pesticides
• Genotoxicity
• New approach methodologies

Allergic contact dermatitis is one of the most frequent occupational diseases associated with chemical exposure. Chemicals and pesticides must be tested for their potential to cause skin sensitization and there have been major developments in testing strategies in recent years, as new approach methods are becoming accepted alternatives to traditional animal tests. Despite this progress, quantitative risk assessment of skin sensitizing chemicals remains a challenging process.

This webinar series will provide an overview of the current state of the science in this rapidly developing field. The webinars are intended as background for a planned workshop in 2022 on quantitative risk assessment of skin sensitizing pesticides but they are of interest to the broader scientific community as they are relying on the development of concepts and methods in other areas e.g. cosmetics, fragrances and consumer products.

Registration is free and open to the public. Registration for each webinar will also register you for all subsequent webinars.

The workshop aims to raise awareness of currently available New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and explore how regulatory application and acceptance of these tools can be accelerated by overcoming the most significant barriers to their implementation.

Keynote and one presentation in French; other presentations and the panel discussion in German / Keynote and one presentation are in French; the other presentations and the panel discussion are in German

Topic: “Environmental Resources and Agriculture: Promoting Synergies – Reducing Conflicts”

Sustainable agriculture must be economically viable and conserve environmental resources. Yet agricultural production often places a burden on the environment. At the same time, agriculture could benefit from enhanced resource conservation and increased ecosystem services.

At the 9th Agroscope Sustainability Conference, we will focus on the relationship between environmental resources and agricultural production.

Further information