Scientific highlights from 2026 SOT

Join us for an insightful webinar exploring the latest advancements in respiratory sensitization testing, an emerging field facing challenges in both scientific and regulatory landscapes. We will highlight how New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) are advancing human-relevant, non-animal strategies for respiratory hazard assessment.

Together with guest speakers Dr. Emily Reinke (GDIT) and Dr. Joshua Vaughan (Merck), we will discuss key challenges, outline currently available approaches, and present new GARD^®air data from scientific collaborations, including results from a recently completed large-scale study (n=100) led by NICEATM, as well as industry case studies on microbial-based pesticides and proteins.

If you missed SenzaGen’s scientific sessions at this year’s SOT in San Diego, this is your chance to catch up!

The webinar will last around 45 minutes, followed by a live Q&A. If you cannot attend the live event, register anyway to receive the on-demand recording.

Key takeaways

• Regulatory insights: An up-to-date perspective on the evolving regulatory landscape for respiratory sensitization assessment.
  
  
• GARD^® advancements: How genomics and machine-learning technologies enable non-animal respiratory sensitization assessment across diverse substance types.
  
  
• Case studies: Scientific collaborations with Merck and Bayer on proteins and microbial-based pesticides, along with a NICEATM-led study on occupational health-related chemicals.

Speakers

Emily Reinke, PhD, DABT
Principal Toxicologist, Federal Health Division | GDIT (contractor supporting NICEATM)

• Expert in NAMs for skin and respiratory sensitization and acute systemic toxicity.
• Contributor to U.S. EPA, JaCVAM, OECD, and independent peer review panels.
• Former Department of Defense representative to ICCVAM (including four years as co-chair).

Joshua Vaughan, PhD, DABT
Principal Scientist, Occupational Toxicology and Product Stewardship, Merck

• Expert in occupational and environmental health within pharmaceutical R&D.
• Member of the National Academies Committee on Toxicology.
• Extensive industry experience in toxicology across pharmaceuticals, biocides/pesticides, and product safety.

Andy Forreryd, PhD
Scientific Liaison Manager, SenzaGen

• Member of OECD expert group on respiratory sensitization.
• Member of the ISO/TC 194/WG 8 on irritation and sensitization.
• Co-developer of the GARD^®skin assay (OECD TG 442E).