Directive 2001/82/EC of the European Parliament and of the CouncilShow full title

[F1 3. Toxicology U.K.

The documentation on toxicology shall follow the guidance published by the Agency on the general approach to testing and guidance on particular studies. This guidance includes:

1.

basic tests required for all new veterinary medicinal products for use in food-producing animals in order to assess the safety of any residues present in food for human consumption;

2.

additional tests that may be required depending on specific toxicological concerns such as those associated with the structure, class, and mode of action of the active substance(s);

3.

special tests which might assist in the interpretation of data obtained in the basic or additional tests.

The studies shall be conducted with the active substance(s), not with the formulated product. Where studies of the formulated product are required, this is specified in the text below.

3.1. Single-dose toxicity U.K.

Single-dose toxicity studies may be used to predict:

• the possible effects of acute overdosage in the target species,

• the possible effects of accidental administration to humans,

• the doses which may usefully be employed in the repeat dose studies.

Single-dose toxicity studies should reveal the acute toxic effects of the substance and the time course for their onset and remission.

The studies to be carried out shall be selected with a view to providing information on user safety, e.g. if substantial exposure by inhalation or dermal contact of the user of the veterinary medicinal product is anticipated, those routes of exposure shall be studied.

3.2. Repeat-dose toxicity U.K.

Repeat-dose toxicity tests are intended to reveal any physiological and/or pathological changes induced by repeated administration of the active substance or combination of active substances under examination, and to determine how these changes are related to dosage.

In the case of pharmacologically active substances or veterinary medicinal products intended solely for use in non-food-producing animals, a repeat-dose toxicity study in one species of experimental animal shall normally be sufficient. This study may be replaced by a study conducted in the target animal. The frequency and route of administration, and the duration of the study shall be chosen having regard to the proposed conditions of clinical use. The investigator shall give his reasons for the extent and duration of the trials and the dosages chosen.

In the case of substances or veterinary medicinal products intended for use in food-producing animals, repeat-dose (90 day) toxicity testing shall be performed in a rodent and a non-rodent species in order to identify target organs and toxicological endpoints and identify the appropriate species and the dose levels to be used in chronic toxicity testing, if appropriate.

The investigator shall give his reasons for the choice of species, having regard to the available knowledge of the metabolism of the product in animals and man. The test substance shall be administered orally. The investigator shall clearly state and give his reasons for the method and frequency of administration and the length of the trials.

The maximum dose should normally be selected so as to bring harmful effects to light. The lowest dose level should not produce any evidence of toxicity.

Evaluation of the toxic effects shall be based on observation of behaviour, growth, haematology and physiological tests, especially those relating to the excretory organs, and also on autopsy reports and accompanying histological data. The choice and range of each group of tests depends on the species of animal used and the state of scientific knowledge at the time.

In the case of new combinations of known substances which have been investigated in accordance with the provisions of this Directive, the repeat-dose tests may, except where toxicity tests have demonstrated potentiation or novel toxic effects, be suitably modified by the investigator, who shall submit his reasons for such modifications.

3.3. Tolerance in the target species U.K.

A summary shall be provided of any signs of intolerance which have been observed during studies conducted, usually with the final formulation, in the target species in accordance with the requirements of Part 4, Chapter I, Section B. The studies concerned, the dosages at which the intolerance occurred and the species and breeds concerned shall be identified. Details of any unexpected physiological changes shall also be provided. The full reports of these studies shall be included in Part 4.

3.4. Reproductive toxicity including developmental toxicity U.K.

3.4.1. Study of the effects on reproduction U.K.

The purpose of this study is to identify possible impairment of male or female reproductive function or harmful effects on progeny resulting from the administration of the veterinary medicinal products or substance under investigation.

In the case of pharmacologically active substances or veterinary medicinal products intended for use in food-producing animals, the study of the effects on reproduction shall be performed in the form of a multi-generation reproduction study, designed to detect any effect on mammalian reproduction. These include effects on male and female fertility, mating, conception, implantation, ability to maintain pregnancy to term, parturition, lactation, survival, growth and development of the offspring from birth through to weaning, sexual maturity and the subsequent reproductive function of the offspring as adults. At least three dose levels shall be used. The maximum dose should be selected so as to bring harmful effects to light. The lowest dose level should not produce any evidence of toxicity.

3.4.2. Study of developmental toxicity U.K.

In the case of pharmacologically active substances or veterinary medicinal products intended for use in food-producing animals, tests on developmental toxicity shall be performed. These tests shall be designed to detect any adverse effects on the pregnant female and development of the embryo and foetus consequent to exposure of the female from implantation through gestation to the day before predicted birth. Such adverse effects include enhanced toxicity relative to that observed in non-pregnant females, embryo-foetal death, altered foetal growth, and structural changes to the foetus. A developmental toxicity test in the rat is required. Depending on the results, a study in a second species may have to be performed, in accordance with established guidance.

In the case of pharmacologically active substances or veterinary medicinal products not intended for use in food producing animals, a study of developmental toxicity shall be performed in at least one species, which may be the target species, if the product is intended for use in female animals which may be used for breeding. However, where the use of the veterinary medicinal product would result in significant exposure to users, standard developmental toxicity studies shall be performed.

3.5. Genotoxicity U.K.

Tests for genotoxic potential shall be performed to reveal changes which a substance may cause in the genetic material of cells. Any substance intended to be included in a veterinary medicinal product for the first time must be assessed for genotoxic properties.

A standard battery of in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity tests in accordance with established guidance shall usually be carried out on the active substance(s). In some cases, it may also be necessary to test one or more metabolites that occur as residues in foodstuffs.

3.6. Carcinogenicity U.K.

The decision on whether carcinogenicity testing is required shall take into account the results of genotoxicity tests, structure-activity relationships and the findings in systemic toxicity tests that may be relevant to neoplastic lesions in longer term studies.

Any known species specificity of the mechanism of toxicity shall be considered, as well as any differences in metabolism between the test species, target animal species, and human beings.

Where carcinogenicity testing is necessary, generally a two-year rat study and an 18-month mouse study are required. With appropriate scientific justification, carcinogenicity studies may be carried out in one rodent species, preferably the rat.

3.7. Exceptions U.K.

Where a veterinary medicinal product is intended for topical use, systemic absorption shall be investigated in the target animal species. If it is proved that systemic absorption is negligible, the repeated dose toxicity tests, the tests for reproductive toxicity and the carcinogenicity tests may be omitted, unless:

• under the intended conditions of use laid down, oral ingestion of the veterinary medicinal product by the animal is to be expected, or

• under the intended conditions of use laid down, exposure of the user of the veterinary medicinal product by other routes than the dermal route is to be expected, or

• the active substance or metabolites may enter foodstuffs obtained from the treated animal.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Substituted by Commission Directive 2009/9/EC of 10 February 2009 amending Directive 2001/82/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Community code relating to medicinal products for veterinary use (Text with EEA relevance).