For some time now, the acronyms NAM (for New Approach Methodologies) and NGRA (for Next Generation Risk Assessment) have been appearing in the world of cosmetics as possible solutions for the evaluation of cosmetic ingredients in the absence of animal testing. This article by Corinne Benoliel and Pauline Ferreira-Théret, from Institut Scientis, gives an overview of NAM and NGRA, and discusses the European Commission’s roadmap for the elimination of animal testing. He also discusses the application of these concepts to the safety assessment of cosmetic products.
Definitions
NAM
New Approach Methodologies have invaded the language of chemical safety assessment in recent times, even if they are not so new. What is new, above all, is the use of these alternative methods to experimentation for regulatory applications to ensure the protection of human health and the environment.
The approach is based on specific methods (cell cultures, computer modeling, etc.) to complete the toxicological profiles of substances.
NAMs can therefore improve chemical safety assessment by providing models that do not depend on animals.
NGRA
Next Generation Risk Assessment stems from the 3Rs principle (replacement, reduction and refinement), which are the pillars of ethics in relation to animal use, and from the general issue of safety and risk assessment.
This concept represents the global assessment of risks, using a systematic approach starting from the definition of exposure, integrating the NAMs and going through to the calculation of safety margins.
The NGRA is based on a structured assessment incorporating well-defined steps to assess overall risk.
The International Cooperation on Cosmetics Regulation (ICCR) recommends the application of this new-generation risk assessment.
It’s important to bear in mind that the definitions of these concepts are not always easy to …
