Navigating the Nexus: Advancing Endocrine Disruptor Assessments Through Intersectoral Collaboration and Innovative Science

Description

Navigating the nexus: Advancing endocrine disruptor assessments through intersectoral collaboration and innovative science. The regulatory assessment of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has progressed substantially since the early 1990s, driven by advances in understanding endocrine biology and improved mechanistic insight. Current regulatory frameworks generally employ a tiered strategy, beginning with in vitro and short-term in vivo assays designed to detect endocrine activity, followed by targeted, comprehensive in vivo studies to confirm biological relevance and support risk evaluation. While validated guidelines now exist across multiple taxa—including mammals, birds, fish and amphibians—these traditional tests frequently require extended exposure durations and substantial animal use. To address these challenges, this session—co-organized by the Intersectoral Centre for Endocrine Disruptor Analysis (ICEDA)—explores the transition toward new approach methodologies (NAMs). By leveraging computational toxicology, high-throughput screening, and in silico modeling, the field aims to improve efficiency and reduce regulated animal reliance. However, regulatory decision-making is often hampered by a lack of certain data, creating a perceived risk that can stall the adoption of innovative science. This symposium serves as a high-level forum to engage with academic researchers, government scientists, policy makers and industry stakeholders. We will specifically examine the "weight of evidence" required to build regulatory confidence in alternative approaches and discuss whether current tiered processes remain essential or adequate in a rapidly evolving scientific landscape. By fostering the exchange of methodologies and data, this session seeks to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and the practical needs of those tasked with identifying, quantifying and managing endocrine disruptors globally.