Endocrine Disruption in Practice: From EAS-Modalities to Weight-of-Evidence Strategies

SUMMARY

The upcoming presentation, "Endocrine Disruption in Practice: From EAS-Modalities to Weight-of-Evidence Strategies" delivers a strategic overview of European regulatory frameworks and testing methodologies for Endocrine Disruptor (ED) identification. It outlines the three mandatory pillars required by ECHA and EFSA to formally classify a substance as an ED - establishing Endocrine Activity, an Adverse Effect, and a biologically plausible Mode of Action connecting the two. Focusing specifically on Estrogen, Androgen, and Steroidogenesis (EAS) modalities, the overview charts the OECD testing hierarchy from Level 2 in vitro mechanisms to Level 3 in vivo screens.

Crucially, the session highlights the heavy operational burdens associated with the OECD 443 gold standard and introduces strategic alternatives. By leveraging Weight of Evidence (WoE) rationales, QSAR computational modeling, and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), toxicologists can build scientifically sound arguments to support testing waivers and successfully navigate complex regulatory outcomes.