Environmental Protection Agency

National Institute Of Environmental Health Sciences

Investigators

Abstract

The prevalence of diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders is increasing worldwide fueling public concern regarding lack of developmental neurotoxicology (DNT) data for a large number of environmental chemicals. To address this concern, there is global consensus on the need for the development of a new framework to more effectively identify compounds with DNT potential. The NTP is uniquely positioned to advance the field of DNT due to its mission of timely advancement of public health, combined with having resources, research flexibility, expertise, and continual engagement with stakeholders. The NTP envisions developing and implementing new tools and technologies for both in vitro, and in vivo testing to be able to identify, prioritize, and predict compounds with potential for DNT. These new tools and technologies (assay battery) will serve to evaluate the utility of New Approach Methods (NAMs) for predicting the likelihood of chemical-induced DNT. We envision the battery to enable rapid screening of compounds to prioritize for further testing and/or provide mechanistic insight on various classes of compounds with potential for developmental neurotoxicity.