The possible effects of chemicals on the endocrine systems of humans and the wider environment continue to be hotly debated, with fresh research on the influence of so called "endocrine disruptors" giving rise to even greater public visibility in recent years. 

As such, regulatory bodies around the world have been tasked with finding a workable system to identify and validate "endocrine active disruptive substances" and to assess their effects using appropriate risk-based approaches. This has not been without controversy and the Holy Grail, it seems, is a set of clearly defined, integrated and globally harmonised test methods that minimise the need for animal testing. 

According to the REACH Regulations in Europe, an Annex XV dossier has to be prepared for compounds that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, reproductively toxic, respiratory sensitisers,  persistent / bioaccumulative / toxic (PBT) or of equivalent concern.  While equivalent concern is somewhat unspecified, chemicals that could interact with the endocrine system would fall into that category.

In the United States, the US Congress enacted in 1996 Section 408(p) of the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) which directed the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop and implement a screening program using "validated test systems" to investigate the potential of chemicals to induce adverse health effects through endocrine pathways.  This endocrine disruptor screening program (EDSP) is now underway and the manufacturers of 67 pesticides and chemicals have to date received test orders for the completion of tier 1 screening tests to be done according to the EPA's 890 test guidelines.

Since an Annex XV dossier or a positive finding from the EDSP will have far reaching consequences including use restrictions up to a total ban, the assessment of endocrine activity needs to be based on solid science starting from reliable, robust, validated and internationally harmonised screening tests up to and including an agreed upon assessment of the available data considering a weight of evidence approach.

iSmithers inaugural Endocrine Disruptors 2011 conference has been developed to address key topics related to the evaluation of adverse effects on the endocrine system and corresponding regulatory requirements.  The conference will bring together experts from academia, government, and industry from around the globe to focus on current and future trends in testing, interpretation and evaluation of test results and how this relates to or influences regulatory activities.

Who Should Attend?

This conference would be of relevance to individuals working in the following areas:

• In vitro Toxicology, Toxicology and Eco-toxicology
• Research & Development
• Regulatory Affairs
• Contract Research Organisations (CROs)

Conference Language

The conference will be conducted in English

Conference Prices

Companies sending one or two delegates
€799 per delegate before 30 November 2010
€1099 per delegate after 30 November 2010

Companies sending three or more delegates
€699 per delegate before 30 November 2010
€999 per delegate after 30 November 2010

Registration includes a copy of the proceedings, lunches and refreshments during the day.

Venue Information

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