NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM) | National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
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NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM)
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Much of the work carried out by DTT is in support of the National Toxicology Program (NTP), an interagency partnership of the Food and Drug Administration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and NIEHS.
Visit the NTP Website
Predictive Toxicology Branch
NICEATM
is an office within NTP that evaluates alternatives to animal use for chemical safety testing of chemicals. Alternative test methods:
Replace
traditional animal models with non-animal systems such as computational models or biochemical or cell-based systems, or replaces one animal species with a less highly developed one (for example, replacing a mouse with a worm)
Reduce
the number of animals used to the minimum number required to obtain scientifically valid data
Refine
procedures to lessen or eliminate animal pain and distress, or improve animal well-being
NICEATM activities include:
Supporting the
Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM)
, a committee representing
16 U.S. federal regulatory and research agencies
that generate or use toxicity testing data
Providing bioinformatics and
computational toxicology
support to NIEHS and NTP projects, especially those related to
Tox21
Conducting and publishing
analyses and evaluations of data from new testing approaches
NICEATM publications since 2010
Organizing
workshops and symposia on relevant topics of interest
Providing information to test method developers, regulators, and the regulated community through its website and other communications
Information on funding opportunities for alternative methods development
NICEATM and ICCVAM work together to:
Evaluate new, revised, and alternative test methods with regulatory applicability, and provide recommendations on their use to federal agencies
Promote the scientific validation and regulatory acceptance of alternative methods
Foster national and international harmonization of alternative methods
ICCVAM welcomes submissions of alternative safety testing methods for validation studies or evaluations. Information on preparing submissions is available
on the NTP website
ICCVAM is coordinating the development of a strategic roadmap for incorporating new approaches into safety testing of chemicals and medical products in the United States.
Information on the roadmap
The
Scientific Advisory Committee on Alternative Toxicological Methods
provides external advice on ICCVAM and NICEATM activities.
Director
N/A
Contact NICEATM
Environmental Factor
Articles
Hogberg Brings Developmental Neurotoxicity Expertise to NICEATM
(March 2022)
Impact of Variability in Animal Test Data Discussed by Kleinstreuer
(January 2022)
New Chemical Testing Approach Will Help to Replace Animal Use
(August 2021)
Animal Replacement Accomplishments Draw Broad Interest
(July 2021)
New Predictive Model May Speed Toxicity Screens, Reduce Animal Use
(May 2021)
Related Links
Alternative Methods Accepted by U.S. Regulatory Agencies for Required Testing
Strategic Roadmap: New Approaches to Evaluate the Safety of Chemicals and Medical Products
EHP Editorial: 15 Years Out: Reinventing ICCVAM
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Last Reviewed: March 05, 2026