The aim of ACuteTox

 

In direct response to the disadvantages of animal testing and the upcoming need for large-scale toxicity testing, the ACuteTox project will develop in-vitro (in an artificial environment outside the living organism) tests to eliminate the need for in-vivo (within a living organism) tests, i.e. animal tests. The central hypothesis of the project is that acute toxicity tests can be carried out on cell cultures instead of on animals, which has been demonstrated by previous research projects. However, previous projects have also highlighted challenges that need to be addressed before in-vitro testing can become a credible contender to in-vivo testing. The ACuteTox project will resolve   these challenges to enable complete elimination of in-vivo testing of acute toxicity, while simultaneously reducing the cost and increasing the validity of the tests when compared to in-vivo testing. It is expected that the ACuteTox project will lead to a reduction in the number of animals used in toxicity testing by 30-35% compared to conventional in-vivo testing.