The European Cosmetics Associatione

During the International Union of Toxicology meeting from 19-23 July, Colipa will present 3 posters showing the latest developments in the areas of alternative method development for eye irritation, skin tolerance and genotoxicity testing.

The posters cover the following:
- The Colipa Strategy for animal-free Genotoxicity Testing
- The Colipa Strategy for the development and evaluation of novel alternative methods for the identification of skin sensitizers
- Update of Colipa Eye Irritation Task Force Strategy and Programme for Development of in vitro methods

An electronic version of the posters can be obtained by contacting Colipa by email:  colipa@colipa.be

Further information on the International Union of Toxicology meeting in Barcelona, can be found via the following link: http://gestion.pacifico-meetings.com/www/iutox2010/

Brussels, 22 June 2010 – Scientific researchers and cosmetics industry experts gathered to share information and ideas at an international workshop of the Colipa Skin Tolerance Task Force in Brussels this week.

• Statement on Skin Tolerance workshop 21-22 June 2010 2 (321.10 KB) Download

• Statement GA 2010 - President (128.91 KB) Download

• Statement GA 2010 (133.62 KB) Download

The Colipa TF AAT Skin Tolerance is organizing its  annual multidisciplinary workshop on the 21^st-22^nd of June in Brussels to bring together experts to discuss the scientific progress associated with activities supported by Colipa in that field.

Conference Themes

• Advancements and challenges of the Colipa research strategy
• Optimization of the roadmap through integration and cross-fertilization between the research groups and the Colipa management.

• Elaboration of a strategy for a full replacement of animal tests for skin sensitization, including definition and understanding of the possible role of the developed technologies in an Integrated Test Strategy (ITS)

• Agenda Workshop - 21-22 June 2010 (55.46 KB) Download

• Final Programme (390.92 KB) Download

Training video for the Colipa method for in vitro Determination of UVA protection

In 2007 Colipa published method for in vitro Determination of UVA protection. This method, which was updated in 2009, is available on the Colipa website under the Publications section. In order to facilitate proper implementation of this method, Colipa has developed a training video. The video shows in a clear way all the different elements of the test method procedure, including the test assembly, the instrumentation requirements, the different procedural steps and the necessary calculations. Furthermore, the most common errors are explained in the video and guidance is given on how to avoid them.

• COLIPA-Neu-P-Final-NeuH264 (251.89 MB) Download

• FINAL statement on Cosmetics Regulation publication 08 01 10 (21.41 KB) Download

Funding opportunities from the European Commission and the cosmetic industry

Working Together on Alternatives

In a unique joint effort, the European cosmetic industry has decided to match research funds made available by the European Commission under the 7^th RTD Framework Programme.

The European Commission launched a Call for Proposals on 30 July 2009 asking researchers to submit proposals on the development of a strategy towards alternative solutions to animal testing in the field of repeated dose systemic toxicity. The European cosmetic industry has committed to match the funding given by the European Commission, making a total of EUR 50 million available for this theme.

Up to 7 projects will be selected by the European Commission, according to criteria defined by this Call for Proposals. Selected projects can benefit from funding from both the European Commission and the cosmetic industry, providing up to 100% of the total funding for each project. The available funds make up a total of EUR 50 million, ith half being provided by the European Commission and half by the cosmetic industry.

To view the summary of the Call for Proposals, please click here.

For the Colipa Statement on the on Research funding for Commission Call, please click here.

The detailed programme of two information events around the Commission Call will be held at the occasion of the 7th World Congress on "Alternatives and Animal Use in Life Sciences''. For more information please click here.

Introduction

The search for alternative methods has seen significant achievements over the last 20 years. The progress made has been largely due to the continued commitment of the European Commission and the cosmetic industry for research into alternatives. The research programme launched by this Call for Proposals aims to address the challenge of finding alternative test methods in the specific field of repeated dose systemic toxicity.

Safety

Consumer safety is fundamental to our activities. The European Union legislation that is in place gives consumers confidence in the safety of cosmetic products.

Each ingredient in every cosmetic product on the market today will have been tested at some point to make sure that it does not cause harm to consumers and workers. Many of the ingredients that have long been in use in our industry will have originally been proved to be safe through testing on animals, using historically accepted methods.
For the majority of ingredients used in cosmetics we have succeeded in replacing these tests by non-animal tests such as in vitro methods. However, there are still gaps in scientific knowledge that need to be filled in order to replace animal testing for regulatory purposes, while continuing to guarantee the safety of our products.

Information on a Call for Proposals on ALTERNATIVE TESTING STRATEGIES within the HEALTH THEME under the 7th European RTD Framework Programme (FP7):

1. the development and use of advanced organ-simulating devices as alternatives for long-term toxicity testing;
2. the optimisation of current methodologies and development of novel methods to achieve functional differentiation of humanbased target cells in vitro that change the focus from rodent systems to the more refined human models allowing to identify human toxicological biomarkers and endpoints;
3. the establishment of endpoints and intermediate markers in human-based target cells with relevance for repeated dose systemic toxicity testing;
4. the optimisation of computational modelling and estimation techniques;
5. the exploitation of systems biology, physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling and (quantitative) structureactivity relationship ((Q)SAR) approaches, for the development of predictive causal computer models to forecast the toxicological potential of previously uncharacterized chemical compounds.
6. integrated data analysis and servicing.

In addition to the six above-listed collaborative projects, applicants are invited to submit proposals for a coordinating action in the topic area (large-scale integrating project). In all cases only up to one project can be funded per topic.

• Call identifier: FP7-HE ALTH-2010-Alternative Testing Strategies

More information on this call is available at www.cordis.europa.eu.

Sources of Financing

European Commission commitment:

• European Commission financial contribution: up to EUR 25 million

Cosmetic industry commitment:

• Industry consortium contribution: up to EUR 25 million

For each proposal selected by the European Commission, the cosmetic industry is committed to providing additional funding. The funding shall be equal in each case to the European Commission’s contribution (50% of eligible costs).

The European Commission selected proposals may therefore be funded up to 100% of the total eligible cost.

The Application Process

The evaluation and selection of proposals will be handled exclusively by the European Commission. FP7 rules for submission of proposals, and the related evaluation, selection and award procedures apply and due procedures carried out by the European Commission. FP7 rules also apply with regard to intellectual property rights provisions.

Applications should be sent to the European Commission only. Projects selected for funding by the European Commission will also receive funding by the cosmetic industry.

The cosmetic industry will then co-fund the projects selected by the European Commission on the basis of a Simplified Grant Agreement concluded between the cosmetic industry and the Researchers. To obtain the funding, the coordinators of the selected projects should contact Colipa at the address listed below.

Further information about the Simplified Grant Agreement will be available soon on this website.

The Role of Colipa, the European Cosmetics Association

The cosmetic industry will contribute to funding projects selected by the European Commission under the research programme,up to a total of EUR 25 million. In order to do this, Colipa has set up a consortium contract between member companies thereby providing a legal mechanism for securing the committed industry funding. Colipa, mandated by its industry members, will enter into Simplified Grant Agreements with the Beneficiaries. This will ensure that the funding process is transparent and the payments are clearly earmarked in favour of the Beneficiaries and for the purpose of the research funding. The text of the Simplified Grant Agreement will be published on the Colipa website for information.

The cosmetic industry has shown a long standing and continuous commitment to the elimination of animal testing. Through this collaboration with the European Commission, the cosmetic industry continues to play a leading role in the development of alternative methods and of new approaches to safety assessment. Colipa is already working with the European Commission and other sector organisations through the European Partnership for Alternatives to Animal Testing (EPAA).

Colipa as a representative of its member companies would be willing to serve on advisory boards of successful systemic toxicity projects.

The cosmetics industry is committed to:

• Agree with the list of the future topics of the call for proposals on the development of alternative solutions to animal testing in the field of repeated dose systemic toxicity to be launched by the European Commission in July 2009 under the Theme 'Health' of the Specific Programme 'Cooperation' implementing the Seventh Framework Programme for research, technical development and demonstration (2007-2013)
• Jointly fund research projects selected through the above-mentioned call for proposals over the coming years for the same amount  as the European Commission and up to a total contribution of EUR 25 million

The cosmetics industry is committed to contribute the same amount as the European Commission and up to a total amount of EUR 25 million, including all costs, to the funding of European Commission selected projects, subject to the conditions that the abovementioned call for proposals has effectively been launched by the European Commission no later than on 30 July 2009 (date of publication in the Official Journal) and any case no later than on 30 September 2009 and that the beneficiaries executed a simplified grant agreement with Colipa, which is duly mandated by its members, to co-ordinate the entire industry project.

For more information about the Alternative Methods, please click here.

Colipa has set-up a technical ingredient consortium on nano-silica. The aim of this consortium is to prepare a safety dossier related to the use of nano-silica in cosmetic products. For more information, please click here.

The adoption of the new European Cosmetics Regulation on 20 November by the Council is welcomed by Colipa.

To download the Statement please click here.

• key features of colipa cofunding - info event (1.36 MB) Download

The event will give further information about how researchers can apply for funding from the 7th Framework Programme for this particular Call for Proposals (up to EUR 25 M) and the additional funding from Colipa (up to EUR 25 M). Participants will be able to ask questions to representatives from the European Commission and Colipa.

For more information about the Call for Proposals, please click here.

• Brochure: Funding Opportunities from the EC and the Cosmetic Industry (303.11 KB) Download
• Info Day 16 Nov 2009 Programme (25.26 KB) Download

EPAA Annual Conference, Brussels, 6 November 2009

The theme of this year’s conference was ‘Dissemination of 3Rs’ Information. The conference was opened by Commissioner Verheugen, Vice-President of the European Commission, together with the EPAA’s Steering Committee co-Chairs, Georgette Lalis and Odile de Silva.

For more information, please click here.

European Cosmetics Industry event at European Parliament shares outcome of World Congress on Alternatives

On 29 September 2009, Colipa, the European Cosmetics Association, organised a debriefing event evening on the outcome of World Congress on Alternatives in the European Parliament. The aim of the event was to share the outcome of the 7WC with a broader public, and discuss recent developments with regards to alternatives to animal testing with a European audience.

For the Press Statement, please click here.

The European Commission and the cosmetic industry match research funds to develop alternative solutions to animal testing

To see the news alert, please click here.

For more infomation about the Call for Proposals, please click here.

Following the Call for Proposals for Research into Alternative Methods 'Systemic Toxicity' Colipa has made available an Internet Forum for interested researchers and scientists. The seven topics for the call for Proposal will be covered. The Forum will be available after the VIIWC. To participate in the Forum, please register and join one or more of the 7 project categories.

For the News Alert on the research funds to develop alternative solutions to animal testing, please click here.

Cosmetics industry provides EUR 25 million in additional funding to develop a strategy towards alternative solutions to animal testing

The European Commission has launched a Call for Proposals for research into alternative testing methods. This has been backed by additional funding from members of Colipa, the European cosmetics industry. In a unique joint effort, EUR 25 million will be made available by a consortium of Colipa members, matching the funds offered by the European Commission. Total new funding will be up to EUR 50 million.

• Colipa Statement on Research funding for Commission Call for Proposals (72.55 KB) Download

Use and Exposure Information is now available under this link.

Summary

On 30 July 2009, the European Commission launched a Call for Proposals for the development of a strategy towards alternatives to safety tests using animals. The specific field of application is “repeated dose systemic toxicity” under the Theme ‘Health’ of the 7th European RTD Framework Programme (2007-2013).

The cosmetic industry will give financial support to projects selected by the European Commission with the same amount as the European Commission, bringing the total amount of funding to EUR 50 million.

In order to obtain financial support from the cosmetic industry, successful projects must conclude a Simplified Grant Agreement with Colipa. Further information about the Simplified Grant Agreement will be available soon on this website.

• Date of publication: 30 July 2009
• Deadline: 3 February 2010
• Budget: European Commission EUR 25 million + Cosmetic Industry EUR 25 million
• Application details: www.cordis.europa.eu, www.colipa.eu

Further details about the European Commission proposal can be found by visiting the website: www.cordis.europa.eu.

For the Colipa Statement on the on Research funding for Commission Call, please click here.

The detailed programme of two information events around the Commission Call will be held at the occasion of the 7th World Congress on "Alternatives and Animal Use in Life Sciences''. For more information please click here.

• Brochure: Funding Opportunities from the EC and the Cosmetic Industry (303.11 KB) Download

On 30 July 2009, the European Commission launched a EUR 25 Million Call for Proposals for the development of a strategy towards alternatives to safety tests using animals. The specific field of application is "repeated dose systemic toxicity" under the Theme 'Health' of the Seventh European RTD Framework Programme (2007-2013). The cosmetic industry has committed to match European Commission funding, making the total funds available up to EUR 50 million. The European Commission selected proposals may therefore be funded up to 100% of the total eligible cost.

For a detailed programme, please click here.

Two information events will be held about this Call for Proposals during the VII World Congress on Alternatives & Animal Use in Life Sciences, to be held in Rome from 30 August – 4 September 2009.  The World Congress provides a unique platform to present this research initiative directly to the researchers who are active in this field.

General Introduction to the Research Project
Monday 31st August 18.30-20.00
Venue: Room Ellisse, Rome Cavalieri Hotel

• Introduction (T. Hartung, CAAT, Co-Chair VII World Congress)Organiser )
• Background, Set-up and Structure of the research project
  • Ruxandra Draghia-Akli, European Commission, Director, Health Directorate, Directorate-General for Research
  • Bertil Heerink, Director-General, Colipa
• Scope of Research – Workplan
  • Horst Spielmann, - BFR (Germany)

Bringing together interested scientists
Tuesday 1st September 18.30-20.00
Venue: Room San Pietro, Rome Cavalieri Hotel

• Short presentation on the seven areas of research
• Break-out into 7 round table sessions - possibility to make contacts and identify potential research partners under the various research areas
• Plenary Question and answers

Registration:
No attendance fee is required for these events.

No specific registration is required for participants of the VII World Conference, attendees joining only for these events will be asked to sign in at the beginning of the meetings.

• Colipa Statement on Research funding for Commission Call for Proposals (72.55 KB) Download

Colipa has an opening for Legal & International Internship. For more information, please click here.

• Activity Report 2008 (2.85 MB) Download

The 2009 Colipa General Assembly was held from 27 to 29 May. Over a hundred delegates and speakers gathered in Bled, Slovenia to discuss issues of importance to the European cosmetics industry. 

During the Open Session, speakers approached the theme of: “Value and values in today’s cosmetics industry” from various viewpoints. Colipa was pleased to welcome the Slovenian Member of the European Parliament, Dr Romana Jordan Cizelj, who talked about values from the economic, social and environmental perspectives. The participants also heard about value and values in today’s cosmetics industry with regard to consumers. This theme was covered by the brand expert Dr Christian Blümelhuber.

The Scientific Forum focused on a wide range of issues of interest to the scientific community, including the Recast of the European cosmetics legislation and the new roles of the EU scientific committees. Colipa was pleased to welcome Mr Panagiotis Daskaleros from DG SANCO, European Commission, as well as several eminent scientists. 

Delegates were welcomed to Bled by the Mayor of the town, Mr Janez Fajfar and representatives of the Slovenian Association of Cosmetics and Detergents Producers, KPC.

For the press statement, please click here.

• General Assembly Statement 2009 (24.43 KB) Download

Colipa's Skin Tolerance Task Force is organising a Skin Tolerance Workshop on 23-24 June 2009 at the Sheraton Brussels Hotel.

The Workshop will review current recearch projects in the area of Animal Alternative Methods for skin tolerance testing, identify synergies between them and lay the ground work for future reasearch activities.

This event is open to Colipa members and Skin Tolerance Research Partners.

Please find below the workshop agenda and the hotel booking form.

• Hotel booking form (33.50 KB) Download
• TF-ST Workshop Agenda June 2009 (61.61 KB) Download

The Scientific Forum at this year’s General Assembly will cover the Recast of the European cosmetics legislation and safety assessment post-March 2009. In order to register for the General Assembly, please click here.

You can download the full programme of the Scientific Forum by clicking on download below.

• Scientific Forum at Colipa's General Assembly (132.23 KB) Download

This year's General Assembly will take place in Bled, Slovenia from 27-29 May. The Scientific Forum (open to the public) takes place on Thursday 28 May. The General Assembly (also open to the public) will be held on Friday 29 May.

To register, please click here

• Latest Programme General Assembly 2009 (677.01 KB) Download

The process to review the current cosmetics legislation has come to a close. After one Reading, the European Parliament has agreed on a compromise text negotiated together with the Council. Colipa welcomes the constructive steps taken at European level by the EU Institutions, in order to modernise the legislative framework in this way.

• EU Cosmetics legislation is made ready for the future (32.98 KB) Download

For further information and contact details, please click here.

The European Commission launched the European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009 on Wednesday, 7 January with the slogan “Imagine. Create. Innovate.”

The European Year of Creativity and Innovation involves Member States, EU institutions and a wide range of stakeholders. The aim of this major initiative is to promote creative and innovative approaches and initiatives in different fields of human activity and to prepare the European Union for the challenges to come in a globalised world.

All the information about the Year, the Ambassadors, and the events can be found on the Europa website: http://www.create2009.europa.eu/

For more information about innovation and cosmetics, please consult our website: www.colipa.eu

On 27 October 2008 Colipa launches its revised website. The website aims to give clear and accurate information to a wide range of stakeholders from all over the world, including EU decision-makers, consumers and the media. The new website address is www.colipa.eu.

"Innovation in Cosmetics: Beneficial Science or Marketing Tool". This is the title of a Colipa panel debate to be held in Brussels on 7 October 2008. A panel of experts include Barbara Mentré from the European Commission, Anders Wijkman MEP from the European Parliament and Jim Murray the President of the Transatlantic Consumer Dialogue. Industry scientists will take part in the panel to discuss the issues with an audience of interested stakeholders.

• Invitation Debate on Innovation in Cosmetics (241.29 KB) Download