Call for Nominations for a new Task Force: ‘Scientific perspective on discussions about DNT testing in OECD 443-studies’

ECETOC will soon launch a new Task Force on DNT Testing OECD 443-studies and is looking for experts to join from academia, regulatory bodies; NGOs or member companies.

The Task Force's objective is to provide a scientific perspective on inclusion of learning and memory testing (two different mazes at two different time points) in OECD 443 (Extended One-Generation Reproductive Toxicity) studies with developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) cohorts, that would support decision makers/regulators to go ahead with a feasible proposal.

This would be achieved by:
1. Gathering information from available literature and research institutions, including Contract Research Organisations (CROs), to assess both the feasibility and the rationale behind incorporating the DNT cohort with two mazes.
2. Engaging in discussions and developing a proposal for the best scientific approach, including the statistical power and scientific integrity of a DNT study when including additional cohorts and endpoints.
3. Preparing a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal to disseminate our findings.

The Task Force kick-off meeting is expected to take place in Q4 2023, with a target completion timeframe of 9 months. Most meetings will be held remotely, with the possibility of one in-person meeting at the ECETOC offices in Brussels. The deliverable is anticipated to be a peer reviewed publication.

Please send nominations to lucy.wilmot@ecetoc.org by close of business 3 November 2023, for consideration by the Scientific Committee. Nominations should be accompanied by a brief CV (with list of relevant publications) and may include an indication of any particular contribution that the candidate could make to the Task Force.