Atlantic Technological University is a partner in the new STEP4NAMs project (Step up the use for new approach methodologies to replace animal testing), which is promoting the use of new approach methodologies (NAMs) that can replace animal testing. The project received funding of €6.3M from the European Union (ERDF) as part of the Interreg North-West Europe (NWE) programme. Over the course of four years, the project aims to drive forward NAMs in an effort to remove the need for animal testing during the development of drugs and medical devices, while also improving clinical predictions. Ten project partners from six countries are developing a joint strategy to improve the acceptance of NAMs in the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors, boost research and innovation capacities, and thus drive forward the approval of safe drugs and medical devices.
Organ-on-chip, organoids, digital twins, bioprinting, or clinically relevant models for molecular and biocompatibility testing are all considered NAMs – new approach methodologies. Using the latest technologies, these methodologies simulate an organism and the effects of various active ingredients or interventions. NAMs are now frequently more efficient than animal testing and are permanently improving clinical predictions.
ATU researchers, Drs Janice O’Sullivan, Joaquin Penide and Eugene McCarthy, Faculty of Science and Health and Medical & Engineering Technology Gateway, will work together with its partners over the next four years to develop a joint strategy to promote NAMs and conduct four pilot studies to validate proven methodologies. The ATU team will also lead out on drawing up a NAM validation handbook for industry and establish a training programme for various stakeholders.
Project partners
Business development & innovation networks life sciences/medtech
BioRegio STERN Management GmbH (Stuttgart, Germany)
Brabant Development Agency (Tilburg, Netherlands)
InnovationQuarter (The Hague, Netherlands)
Eurasante (Loos, France)
Medicen Paris Region (Paris, France)
flanders.bio (Zwijnaarde, Belgium)
Research & Science
3R-Center for In vitro Models and Alternatives to Animal Testing (Tübingen, Germany)
Atlantic Technological University (Galway, Ireland)
University of Galway (Galway, Ireland)
University of Luxembourg (Esch sur Alzette, Luxembourg)
Associate partners
Research and science
The Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (Baltimore, USA)
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Brussels, Belgium)
Smart Biomaterials Centre – Reutlingen University (Reutlingen, Germany)
Joint Research Centre (Ispra, Italy)
Health institute
Sciensano, Belgian Institute for Health (Ixelles, Belgium)
Organisation for promoting alternatives to animal testing
Proefdiervrij (The Hague, Netherlands)
Industry & Biotech company
ARTIALIS SA (Liège, France)
