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The ASPIS cluster, a pioneering collaboration of three EU-funded research projects, successfully concluded its annual Open Symposium. The event in Copenhagen on September 11-12 showcased significant strides in developing and implementing New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for chemical safety assessment. It also fostered a sense of community and collaboration among researchers, regulators, and industry stakeholders.

ASPIS cluster is a joint effort of three scientific consortia: ONTOX, PrecisionTox and RISK-HUNT3R, is at the forefront of revolutionising chemical safety testing through the development of the ASPIS-initiated alternative Safety Profiling Algorithm (ASPA), a well-guided Next Generation Risk Assessment (NGRA) workflow.

The cluster assembles 70 scientific organisations and 300 leading European scientists who harness the power of diverse scientific disciplines, including omics, artificial intelligence (AI), and in vitro/in silico methodologies, to deliver faster, more accurate, and affordable alternatives to traditional animal testing. The Centre of Experimental Medicine SAS is a part of ONTOX on behalf of the Slovak Republic.

"We are thrilled that the Centre for Experimental Medicine can be part of such an innovative project as ONTOX. This project provides solutions for 21st-century toxicology that does not use animals to test chemical safety. At the same time, working in the ASPIS cluster opens doors to other possible collaborations at the European level," explains Dr. Helena Kanďárová, ERT, Scientific Director of the Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology CEM SAS, ONTOX Deputy coordinator dissemination, exploitation, communication and data management and Co-Chair of the ASPIS Working Group on Communication and Dissemination.

During the symposium, the ASPIS cluster chairmanship was passed from John Colbourne, the coordinator of PrecisionTox, to Mathieu Vinken, the coordinator of ONTOX. This transition marks a new phase for ASPIS, with ONTOX leading the cluster's mission to advance sustainable, animal-free, and reliable chemical risk assessment.

A key highlight of the symposium was the presentation of groundbreaking advancements in NAMs development. The three consortia shared their latest research, highlighting advancements in non-animal toxicology and predictive safety assessments and showcasing the potential of these innovative tools to streamline safety assessments and reduce reliance on animal models.

Dr. Mirjam Luijten (RIVM in association with RISK-HUNT3R) presented ASPA as a promising approach for streamlining safety profiling. This initiative aligns with the cluster's goal to operationalise NGRA by developing a well-guided chemical safety assessment (ASPA) workflow and providing guidance on data generation and interpretation.

Beyond the technical advancements, the symposium underscored the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing. The ASPIS working groups dedicated to specific areas, such as chemical selection, omics, and exposure assessment, fostered valuable discussions and identified synergies.

One of the most significant outcomes of the symposium was the progress made towards integrating NAMs into the NGRA framework. The collaborative efforts of ASPIS and the Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (P-A-R-C) have established a robust foundation for a more sustainable and efficient approach to chemical safety assessment.

Future collaborations between ASPIS and P-A-R-C will focus on synergies in communication and other working groups. They aim to develop a central metadata registry platform and combine the results of various working groups, leading to the successful integration of NAMs into the broader chemical safety assessment landscape. By cooperating, the two groups seek to maximise their scientific output and to create sustainable change in the regulatory landscape of the EU.

The symposium demonstrated the growing momentum behind the adoption of NAMs. It highlighted the potential of these innovative approaches to modernise chemical safety assessment. This scientific work is essential and urgent, as it is expected to significantly influence the discussion regarding REACH revision and support the EU Commission roadmap for phasing out animal testing in chemical safety assessments.

The Centre of Experimental Medicine SAS (CEM SAS) leads the communication work package and is a deputy coordinator for non-scientific activities in the ONTOX project. In the ASPIS cluster and in the ONTOX project, CEM SAS oversees and develops communication strategies and supports and develops various activities to engage key stakeholders, including research, regulatory authorities, and industry. Additionally, CEM SAS is essential in making the vision of the ONTOX project and the ASPIS cluster accessible to the general public.

Edited by Lucia Milec, CEM SAV, v. v. i.