In 2009, European Union (EU) non-animal testing deadlines loom for manufacturers of chemicals used in products ranging from perfumes to deodorant to shampoos. On October 23-24, 2008, a meeting brought together scientists, cosmetics formulators, and policy experts to address the impact of the 7th Amendment of the Cosmetics Directive, a series of deadlines for animal testing bans in the EU, and REACH, a massive undertaking to identify potential hazards from thousands of chemicals previously exempt from testing requirements.

The two-day forum, Spotlight on Ingredients: In Vitro Alternatives, was planned and co-sponsored by the Alternatives Research and Development Foundation (ARDF), Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS), and Chemical Heritage Foundation (CHF). Experts from Europe and representatives from major U.S. companies and trade groups convened for a briefing on state of the art alternative testing methods, the policy and consumer demands behind them, and how to move forward with in vitro testing programs. (Click here to view photos from the forum). ARDF President Sue Leary commented, “Chemical companies in the U.S. have not been fully aware of the need for non-animal testing. With this meeting, we have brought timely, expert information to their doorstep, and built a communication network across interest areas to accelerate the development and adoption of alternatives.”

The Environmental History and Policy Program in CHF’s Center for Contemporary History and Policy made their world-class meeting space available so participants could hear from a brain trust of presenters including Vera Rogiers of the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) and Laura Gribaldo of the European Center for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM). The American Anti-Vivisection Society's Executive Director, Tracie Letterman, presented the perspective of consumers who care about animals and insist on cruelty-free products, explaining how the Leaping Bunny certification program works.

Dr. Rodger Curren, the President of IIVS, explained, “Our intent was that participants would walk away with practical information on the requirements of the non-animal testing bans, activities being undertaken by international organizations to meet these requirements, the actual testing strategies; and how non-animal data can be used in risk assessment.” Click here to listen to Dr. Curren’s interview discussing REACH with Maier Rinde, host of Distillations, CHF’s weekly science podcast.

In addition, ARDF provided hospitality in its home city with all attendees and other supporters invited to a special dinner. It took place at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia’s one-of-a kind Mütter Museum and celebrated the 15th anniversary of ARDF, including presentation of the William and Eleanor Cave Award. Dr. Rodger Curren was the recipient of the Cave Award, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to advancing alternatives and humane science. (Click here to view photos from the evening’s celebration).

Planning Commitee:

Rodger Curren & Erin Hill, Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS)
Sue Leary, Alternatives Research & Development Foundation (ARDF)
Daniel Bagley, Colgate-Palmolive
Thomas Hartung, Joint Research Centre-European Commission
Pauline McNamee, The Procter & Gamble Company
Jody Roberts, Chemical Heritage Foundation