VICT3R Featured in the ‘Lab of Tomorrow’ Video Series

We are pleased to announce that the VICT3R project has been featured in the latest episode of the Lab of Tomorrow video interview series by Eurogroup for Animals. This initiative highlights scientists who are actively working to phase out the use of animals in the regulatory assessment of drugs and other chemicals.

In this new episode, Ferran Sanz (Project Coordinator, Universitat Pompeu Fabra) and Thomas Steger-Hartmann (Project Lead, Bayer) were interviewed about VICT3R’s efforts to drive innovation in toxicology through the use of Virtual Control Groups (VCGs).

VCGs offer a data-driven alternative to traditional live control animals in toxicology studies by reusing and integrating historical experimental data. By creating reliable virtual counterparts, VICT3R aims to significantly reduce the number of animals used in research, while also improving the efficiency, robustness, and scientific quality of safety testing.

During the interview, Ferran and Thomas shared their insights into the project’s objectives and the broader importance of non-animal methods for the future of science. Key points from the discussion included:

• Driving innovation through data sharing: By reusing existing toxicology data from pharmaceutical and crop science industries, VICT3R demonstrates how collaboration and secure data sharing can reduce the reliance on animal models without compromising scientific rigor.

• Building regulatory confidence: The success of non-animal approaches depends on gaining trust and acceptance from regulatory authorities. Ferran and Thomas highlighted the importance of robust validation and engagement with regulators to ensure that new methods are recognized as safe and effective.

• Taking a step-by-step approach: Rather than attempting to replace all animal testing at once, VICT3R focuses on targeted, high-impact areas like concurrent control groups, aiming to replace them with virtual ones. By showing success in these specific use cases, the project is helping to pave the way for broader adoption of non-animal testing strategies.

We are grateful to Eurogroup for Animals for spotlighting VICT3R and helping to raise awareness about the tangible progress being made towards a more humane, scientifically advanced future for toxicology and chemical safety assessment.

You can watch the full interview here: