Our work
The use of toxicity data on a structurally-similar compound to evaluate a substance that has been inadequately tested – the so-called “read-across” approach – is a crucial part of the toxicologist’s skill set. Exploiting read-across can minimise the number of new tests conducted on vertebrate animals, while still ensuring that chemicals are safe for workers and the general population. We have been routinely using read-across in our hazard and risk assessments for many years, and have often incorporated it into the REACH regulatory submissions we have prepared.
Read-Across and REACH
Read-across is one of the key options described in the EU REACH regulation for deviating from the standard information requirements. ECHA have published guidance on using read-across in REACH dossiers, which sets out the standards that have to be met. We have extensive experience of drafting read-across justification reports to these requirements, including preparing a data matrix, and advising on potential in silico or in vitro testing that could be used to support a read-across strategy.
Approaches
There are two general approaches to read-across. In the first, data from a small number of “analogues” are used to fill data gaps in the target compound (by extrapolation). The other approach is the “category” approach, where a trend is predicted in a structurally-related group of substances. In this approach, data gaps are filled by interpolation.
Scenarios
ECHA guidance on read-across establishes a number of scenarios. In general, these can be divided into those where compounds are predicted to be transformed or broken down (e.g. by metabolism) to common compounds, and those where compounds are predicted to interact with the same biological target. We have a wide range of experience drafting read-across justifications for both of these scenarios.
Some of our case studies in this area
Literature monitoring and hazard characterisation for food supplements
Case study
The client was interested in the potential adverse and beneficial effects of a number of ingredients found in food supplements and other ingested consumer products. In addition to the assessment of some defined chemical substances, the ingredients under investigation included several plant and mushroom extracts along with their key constituents.
Determining a Specific Migration Limit (SML) for a data-deficient compound identified in food labels
Case study
The client was informed by a supplier that a chemical compound with a worrying structure was present within a food label ink. Click to find out how we dealt with it.
Pod-based ENDS device PMTA assessments
Case study
As part of a Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) for a pod-based ENDS device, bibra was asked to provide support preparing non-clinical and human health impact assessments.
Some industries we work in
REACH
We are a leading supplier of REACH compliance services, assisting chemical manufacturers, importers and downstream users comply with their REACH Regulation responsibilities.
Pharmaceuticals
Our team is adept at preparing critical toxicological reports - we regularly provide assessments of novel or unexpected impurities, excipients and other intentionally-added substances, and extractables and leachables.
Extractables + Leachables
We provide valuable support to the pharmaceutical, medical device and processing equipment industries by producing screening reports and, if warranted, full risk assessment reports relating to extractables and leachables (E&L).
