Pesticides, food additives, drugs, and other substances are tested for their potential to cause reproductive or developmental toxicity. Reproductive toxicity tests assess a substance’s tendency to cause reproductive system effects, while developmental toxicity testing evaluates the extent to which exposure to a substance may harm a developing embryo or fetus.
Reproductive and developmental toxicity tests are required by multiple regulatory agencies and can use large numbers of animals. The complexity of these endpoints makes it unlikely that any single alternative test method will serve all regulatory needs. ICCVAM agencies are working with regulatory and industry partners to explore alternative tests that can be used in combination to provide the information needed to make accurate developmental and reproductive safety assessments.