PEPPER

PEPPER is a public-private platform established to accelerate the production of validated tests for endocrine disruptors in Europe.

Its main roles include:

• ​Pre-Validation of Methods: PEPPER focuses on the pre-validation of methods for characterizing endocrine disruptors. This involves ensuring that new methods are reliable, reproducible, and suitable for regulatory use.
• ​Bridging Research and Regulation: The platform aims to bridge the gap between academic research and regulatory requirements by organizing pre-validations of methods that target gaps identified by regulators.
• ​Collaboration and Standardization: PEPPER works to standardize methods and establish clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to facilitate their transfer to new laboratories and ensure consistent results.
• ​Health and Environmental Protection: The ultimate goal of PEPPER is to protect human health and the environment by reducing exposure to endocrine disruptors through validated and reliable testing methods.

PEPPER contributes to the validation of NAMs (New Alternative Methods) through several key initiatives:

• ​Pre-Validation Studies: PEPPER conducts pre-validation studies to assess the reliability and relevance of new methods for characterizing endocrine disruptors. This involves rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure that the methods meet regulatory standards.
• ​Standardization and Documentation: The platform develops detailed SOPs and documentation for new methods, ensuring that they can be consistently implemented in different laboratories. This standardization is crucial for the reproducibility and reliability of NAMs.
• ​Filling Regulatory Gaps: PEPPER focuses on methods that address gaps identified by regulators, such as mechanistic or apical endpoints that are not adequately covered by existing methods. This targeted approach helps improve the regulatory acceptance of NAMs.
• ​Collaboration with Stakeholders: PEPPER collaborates with various stakeholders, including industry, academia, and regulatory bodies, to ensure that the methods being developed are relevant and useful for regulatory purposes. This collaboration helps align research efforts with regulatory needs.

By focusing on these areas, PEPPER plays a crucial role in advancing the use of NAMs, promoting safer and more ethical approaches to scientific research and regulatory testing.

For assistance or inquiries, you can contact PEPPER via email at info@ed-pepper.eu.