NON-ANIMAL METHODS FOR TOXICITY TESTING: EMERGING RESEARCH, METHODS & POLICIES.

Areas of emerging skin research include: studies on skin regeneration and the mechanisms involved in skin irritation and wound healing; modifying existing in vitro methods to make them acceptable for a broader range of testing applications; and, development of new methods for in vitro culture of skin cells, including co-cultures (keratinocytes + another type of skin cell), miniaturization, and high throughput testing platforms. Areas of emerging policy include: validation issues; harmonization issues; and, the use of in vitro and in silico methods in tiered test schemes or as animal replacement methods for regulatory applications.