Toxicologists Get on Trend and Embrace New Approach Methods

Erin Nelson, SETAC Publications Manager

Regulatory agencies and scientific communities worldwide are increasingly turning to New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to help streamline chemical hazard assessments. NAMs are any technology, methodology, approach or combination thereof that can be used to replace, reduce or refine animal toxicity testing and allow for more rapid or effective prioritization and assessment of chemicals. While early attention on NAMs has focused on human health, there is growing momentum to apply NAMs in ecological safety assessments.

To spotlight this progress, the September issue of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry is dedicated to a special series on “New Approach Methods (NAMs) in Ecotoxicology,” with guest editors Niladri Basu, Dries Knapen, Carlie LaLone and Dan Villeneuve. This issue compiles studies that illustrate the state of the science. Contributions fall into three broad areas: the development of alternative animal tests using cell lines as well as wild-type and transgenic eleutheroembryonic vertebrates, the application of transcriptomics and other “omics” to gain mechanistic insights and provide screening level hazard estimates, and the integration of NAMs into intelligent testing.

Together, these papers highlight how NAMs are transforming toxicology as a discipline and accelerating our understanding of how chemicals affect ecosystems, while moving beyond traditional animal testing.

A related series, “Getting New Approach Methods (NAMs) into Environmental Assessment, Management, and Practice,” is currently open for submissions in Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management (IEAM). The call for papers runs through 31 December, with publication slated for 2026.

To stay up to date and carry the conversation beyond recent publications, join the SETAC Animal Alternatives Interest Group and participate in the SETAC North America 46^th Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon, which will feature the following sessions of interest:

1.01 - Alternative Approaches and New Approach Methods (NAMs) That Refine, Replace, or Reduce Animal Testing

1.05 - Cell-Based Approaches for Ecotoxicity Assessments

1.06 - Empirical and Theoretical Methods To Scale Contaminant Effects: Molecular Impacts to Organism Health

1.11 - Innovative and Novel Applications of New Approach Methodologies: From Tool Development to Case Studies

1.17 - QSAR Models and Tools in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

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