IIVS Hosts Workshop on Non-Animal Testing Methods for Russian Delegates

GAITHERSBURG, Md., June 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Furthering its goal to increase the use of non-animal testing methods internationally, the Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS) hosted a four -day workshop for eleven attendees from Russia. Through a combination of lectures and hands-on laboratory training, the delegates gained firsthand knowledge of how non-animal test methods can be used to assess the safety of cosmetic and personal care products.

"Scientists in Russia are interested in learning more about non-animal test methods. This course gave an extremely useful technical overview and also highlighted how the data from these methods can be incorporated into a product safety testing program," said Tatiana Puchkova, Chairman of the Board of Perfumery and Cosmetic Association of Russia which organized this training for Russian authorities and leading toxicologists.  "This is the beginning of an extensive collaboration with IIVS to establish non-animal safety testing in Russia. This effort is extremely important for further harmonization and plans to enter OECD."

The use and regulatory acceptance of non-animal testing methods is on the rise around the world. Legislative and consumer pressure combined with technological advantages make non-animal methods appealing to industry scientists and regulators alike. Several methods have been formerly validated and recognized for use by the Organization for Economic and Co-operation and Development (OECD). While OECD Test Guidelines are available for the scientific community, sufficient detail to execute and interpret resulting data is often lacking.

"Our goal is to technically assist in the adoption of non-animal tests in countries where animal testing has historically been required," says Rodger Curren, President of IIVS.  "The interest and commitment we have seen by the attendees from Russia is very promising for the future of non-animal testing in the Customs Union."

The workshop is one example of many educational and training activities in IIVS' International Outreach Program. Supported by industry and NGO's, the program focuses on bridging information gaps to make non-animal test methods more readily adoptable by scientists around the world. Generous support from The Alternatives Research & Development Foundation, The Colgate Palmolive Company, and Humane Society International enabled IIVS to provide the workshop for the Russian attendees. Additional IIVS training programs are being planned for the US, China and Brazil.

About IIVS

Founded in 1997 as a non-profit corporation, IIVS operates as a center of excellence for in vitro (non-animal) methods used for product safety testing purposes.  Rigorous scientific programs coupled with educational and outreach initiatives have established IIVS as a global leader in the advancement of alternatives to animal testing.

For more information please visit www.iivs.org

SOURCE Institute for In Vitro Sciences