Brussels, 09/11/2005 (Agence Europe) - During a conference entitled “Europe goes alternative” organised by Commissioners Günter Verheugen (Industry) and Janez Potocnik (Research) in Brussels on 7 November, the European Commission and the industry associations of the pharmaceuticals, chemicals, cosmetics and biotech sectors agreed, in a so-called “3 Rs” joint declaration, on a voluntary European partnership to revise, reduce or replace animal testing by alternative methods. During the first half of 2006, a task force will develop an action programme comprising concrete activities that will be revised at regular intervals. The programme will above all aim to identify the obstacles standing in the way to progress and suggest solutions for promoting the development, validation and regulatory acceptance of alternative approaches such as: mapping of research activities and current strategies, cooperation in research, and the development of alternative approaches (including intelligent testing strategies), facilitation of validation processes based on available knowledge, and practical mechanisms to facilitate the regulatory acceptance process of alternative approaches. Projects to promote the development of the 3-Rs under the EU's Research Framework Programmes include new in vitro tests to replace animal experimentation (with specific opportunities for SMEs), a workshop on business opportunities for in vitro pharmacology and toxicology, and intelligent testing strategies for chemicals. In 2002, some 10.7 million animals were used in research and development for human medicine, dentistry and in fundamental biology studies (50%), about 16% in production and quality control of products and devices in human medicine, veterinary medicine and dentistry, and about 10% for toxicological and other safety evaluation. From this 10%, about 0.25% was used for cosmetics or toiletries testing). (Information: European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods: http: //ecvam.jrc.it/index.htm).