I have joined the Animal-Free Safety Assessment (AFSA) Collaboration (https://www.afsacollaboration.org) Global Science Committee. The GSC is a steering committee supporting the aims and objectives of the AFSA Collaboration. The committee comprises representatives from AFSA member companies, CROs, agencies, NGOs, and consultants. Their members are from the US and Europe and represent the wider stakeholder community.
I have already learned about the coordinated multinational strategy to establish regulatory best practices, build confidence in using new alternative methodologies (NAMs) and Next- Gerneration Risk Assessment (NGRA) frameworks, and educate end users. It was interesting to see a broad listing of scientific and regulatory readiness of NAMs separated into (a) ready and available and often already in use, (b) tests that need additional work over the next 3-4 years, and (c) NAMs that will take longer and need more work.
We will initially focus on the scientific basis for regulatory implementation of NAMs for the acute local and systemic endpoints, including aquatic toxicity. I'm looking forward to learning about aquatic toxicity, a space I've never been involved in. I believe my experiences in the other human toxicity endpoints will be well used.
There is an interesting AFSA regulatory transformation strategy. I'm looking forward to learning more about and building and implementing the tactical plan with clear timelines and supporting decision trees.
I have much more to learn as a new member, but I am confident this committee will be great, especially knowing so many talented members.
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