Bio: Dr. Quanshun Zhang is a senior scientist for education and outreach at the Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS), where he leads initiatives to promote the global adoption of in vitro methods. A lifetime member of the China Society of Toxicology (CSOT), he serves on professional committees for Toxicology Alternative, Translational Toxicology, and Biotechnological Drug Safety (2024–2028) and advises the State Key Lab of Alternative Testing. Recognized with the Pfizer Aspire Award and the Ministry of Agriculture Science and Technology Advancement Award, Dr. Zhang has secured NIH grants (RO1, R21, R56) and industry funding (Pfizer, Merck, Progenics, Microbix). He has published over 30 scientific papers, driving innovation in toxicology and alternative testing. Dr. Zhang has forged collaborations with NIFDC/IFCC, AQSIQ/CAIQ/CIQ, CDC, Beijing Technology and Business University, and BioCells to advance in vitro testing strategies that reduce animal use while ensuring product safety.

Abstract: The growing confidence in New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) is poised to significantly influence their acceptance in China and globally, reshaping chemical safety assessment practices. NAMs, which include computational models and in vitro assays, offer a promising alternative to traditional animal testing, aligning with ethical, scientific, and regulatory advancements. In China, where regulatory bodies like the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) are increasingly aligning with international standards, the adoption of NAMs could streamline safety evaluations and reduce reliance on animal testing. This shift is further supported by China's strategic focus on AI and biotechnology, which synergizes with the data-driven nature of NAMs. Globally, the ethical appeal of NAMs, coupled with their potential to reduce costs and accelerate product development, is driving their acceptance in industries such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. However, challenges such as validation, regulatory skepticism, and accessibility in resource-limited settings remain. Addressing these barriers will require sustained investment in research, capacity building, and international collaboration. As confidence in NAMs grows, their integration into regulatory frameworks and scientific practices will not only enhance chemical safety assessments but also foster a more humane and globally harmonized approach to risk assessment, with China playing a pivotal role in this transformative process.