ICCVAM workgroup paper discusses how to broaden consideration of NAMs
Although new approach methodologies (NAMs) are being increasingly developed and used, their adoption for regulatory decisions has been slow, and awareness outside certain scientific communities remains limited. To address this, the ICCVAM Consideration of Alternative Methods Workgroup gathered input from stakeholders in industries such as agrochemicals, consumer products, and pharmaceuticals as well as from academic researchers and animal care committees.
The review (Oyetade et al. 2025) found that while all stakeholders use or consider NAMs, adoption levels vary. Five key barriers were identified: perception, regulatory acceptance, scientific and technical limitations, education, and financial challenges. Stakeholders highlighted the need for clear regulatory criteria, better awareness of NAM capabilities, and resources for education and funding as critical points for improvement.
To overcome these barriers, several solutions were proposed. These include tailored education programs to inform diverse audiences, proactive collaboration across sectors, harmonized national and international standards for NAM acceptance, and the creation of centralized repositories, such as the Collection of Alternative Methods for Regulatory Application (CAMERA), for NAM-related information. Other recommendations involve increasing awareness of NAM strengths and limitations and ensuring NAMs are used in ways that suit specific purposes.
This effort provides a roadmap for advancing NAM adoption, emphasizing the importance of communication, education, and collaboration. By addressing these challenges, the use of NAMs can expand, supporting ethical and scientifically robust methods for chemical testing and regulatory decisions.