From prioritization to implementation: updating the PARC WP5 project portfolio through the second prioritization...

Area of Science:

• Chemical risk assessment
• Toxicology
• Regulatory science

Background:

• The Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC) aims to implement next-generation risk assessment (NGRA).
• Regulatory bodies face challenges integrating innovative methodologies into chemical safety assessments.
• The EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability guides PARC's objectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the updated Work Package 5 (WP5) Hazard Assessment project portfolio within PARC.
• To illustrate the progression from methodology prioritization to project implementation in PARC.
• To highlight how new PARC projects address regulatory gaps and support the integration of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs).

Main Methods:

• A second prioritization round for methodologies was conducted with Governing Board input.
• Consideration of the European Chemicals Agency's Key Areas of Regulatory Challenge (2023).
• Updating the WP5 Hazard Assessment project portfolio based on prioritization and regulatory needs.

Main Results:

• Four new projects have been added to the WP5 Hazard Assessment portfolio.
• Projects focus on developmental and reproductive toxicity, developmental immunotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity with sexual dimorphism.
• A transversal project aims to accelerate the regulatory uptake of NAMs.

Conclusions:

• The updated PARC WP5 project portfolio directly addresses identified regulatory gaps.
• New projects strengthen the implementation phase of PARC and align research with regulatory needs.
• PARC's updated strategy facilitates the integration of NAMs into chemical risk assessment, supporting sustainability goals.