Lhasa Limited attended the International Conference on Environmental Mutagens (ICEM) 2026 in Edinburgh, bringing together experts from across the global toxicology community to discuss the latest advances in genetic toxicology, mutagen risk assessment and next-generation approaches to safety evaluation.
As regulatory expectations continue to evolve, computational approaches are playing an increasingly important role in supporting robust, science-based decision-making. At ICEM 2026, Lhasa scientists shared insights into how integrated computational approaches, high-quality toxicology data and mechanistic understanding can support confident safety decisions.
Lhasa presentations and contributions
Computational Genetic Toxicology: Moving From In Silico Predictions to Decision Support
Presented by Dr Adrian Fowkes
Computational approaches have long supported genetic toxicology assessments by enabling data collection, knowledge sharing and the generation of in silico predictions. However, as the field moves towards more human-relevant, animal-free approaches, there is a growing need for computational tools to evolve beyond prediction generation and become integrated decision support systems.
This presentation will explore how in silico predictions can be better integrated within weight-of-evidence frameworks, using mechanistic understanding, Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) and hypothesis-driven approaches to support more informed toxicological decisions.
Adrian will discuss how the future of computational toxicology lies in connecting predictions with biological relevance and regulatory decision-making, helping guide testing strategies rather than simply providing additional evidence.
Session details: TBC
The Nitrosamine Challenge: Rethinking Safety Thresholds for Modern Pharmaceuticals
Chair and speaker: Dr David Ponting
The assessment of nitrosamine impurities remains a significant challenge for the pharmaceutical industry, requiring robust scientific approaches to support appropriate safety decisions.
This session will explore evolving approaches to nitrosamine risk assessment, including the use of carcinogenicity data, benchmark dose modelling and read-across approaches to support scientifically justified acceptable intake limits.
David Ponting will share insights into how robust toxicological evidence, including data from relevant in vivo analogues, can support improved understanding of nitrosamine potency and enable more confident regulatory decisions.
Tuesday 8 September 2026 | 10:00–11:00
Session: Regulatory Toxicology | Pentland
Enhancing NA & NDSRI Risk Assessment: (Q)SAR & QM Approaches
Speaker: Dr David Ponting
Lhasa has played an active role in advancing the scientific understanding of nitrosamine mutagenicity through the development of structure–activity relationship approaches and collaboration with the wider scientific community.
In this HESI session, David Ponting will discuss progress and challenges in refining (Q)SAR models for nitrosamine mutagenicity, highlighting the importance of transparent, scientifically robust approaches for supporting nitrosamine risk assessment.
The session will also showcase the impact of collaborative research efforts in shaping approaches such as the Carcinogenic Potency Categorisation Approach (CPCA), supporting consistent and scientifically informed regulatory decision-making.
Monday 7 September 2026 | 14:30–15:30
Session: Impurities | Harris
Supporting safe acceptable intake limits via robust carcinogenic potency data
Presented by Jessica Halliday
Reliable carcinogenicity data are essential for supporting confident impurity risk assessments and establishing appropriate acceptable intake limits.
Jessica Halliday will highlight how high-quality carcinogenic potency data can support modern safety assessments, including the importance of curated and searchable carcinogenicity information in evaluating chemical risks.
This work demonstrates the continued evolution of the Lhasa Carcinogenicity Database (LCDB Plus), helping scientists efficiently access robust data to support evidence-based decision-making for mutagenic impurities.
Sessions:
- Risk of Adverse Health & Environmental Effects Linked to Mutagen Exposures
Wednesday 9 September 2026 | 11:30–12:30 | Pentland - Young Scientists Session
Thursday 10 September 2026 | 11:30–12:30 | Harris