Relevance of in vitro toxicology studies in risk assessment

In vitro toxicology used to determine the hazardous nature of a product is gaining wider acceptance in the scientific and regulatory community. Risk assessment involving whole animals has been the most accepted principle in toxicity investigations. In recent years, in vitro methods have been developed as potential alternatives to in vivo experiments. These in vitro methods have varying degrees of reliability and acceptance. Some of these may be directly employed as replacements for in vivo models; the other techniques are currently suitable only as screens or adjunct tests. Toxicologists have been working hard to develop new in vitro methods to be used in place of existing in vivo animal studies and thus secure a place in the regulatory battery of tests.