Optimization of Regulatory Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology (DART) Programs

Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology (DART) programs are essential for assessing the safety of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products. However, traditional DART testing is often resource-intensive and relies heavily on animal models. Toxicologists and regulators now face the challenge of optimizing these programs. We must increase scientific efficiency, reduce animal use, and adopt modern testing methods while maintaining high safety standards.This Research Topic aims to gather scientific contributions on modernizing regulatory DART testing. We welcome articles that offer practical ways to streamline testing workflows, reduce animal studies, and use existing data for regulatory approval.We invite submissions covering several key themes:- Program Efficiency: Strategies to streamline the design, timing, and operational efficiency of regulatory DART testing programs.- Study Integration: The scientific pros and cons of merging different DART studies, including the practical benefits and drawbacks of combined protocols.- Data-Driven Waiving: Frameworks and case studies for waiving specific DART studies based on weight-of-evidence, read-across, or historical toxicity data.- New Approach Methodologies (NAMs): The development, validation, and regulatory acceptance of in vitro assays and non-animal models.- Predictive Toxicology: The application of computational modeling, structure-activity relationship tools, and machine learning to predict developmental and reproductive toxicity.This collection aims to foster dialogue between industry scientists, academic researchers, and regulatory authorities. Together, we can drive the evolution of reproductive safety assessment. Topic editors: Thomas Hofmann, Corina Van Den Heuvel Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/84428/optimization-of-regulatory-developmental-and-reproductive-toxicology-dart-programs