^{Joint News Release}

Experimental Toxicology and Ecology of BASF receives certification for Good In Vitro Method Practices

• First certification by the Institute for In Vitro Sciences based on the guidance document published by the OECD
• Good In Vitro Method Practices increases the quality in data generated by in vitro test methods and confidence in data generated by newly developed non-animal test methods

Ludwigshafen, Germany and Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA – October 19, 2022 – The Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS) certified BASF’s Experimental Toxicology and Ecology for Good In Vitro Method Practices (GIVIMP) based on the guidance document published in 2018 by the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The GIVIMP document provides principles in quality management which, when implemented, serve to increase the quality and confidence in data generated by in vitro test methods.

BASF’s Experimental Toxicology and Ecology is the first institute to receive this certification. “For us it has always been important to perform our in vitro test methods with high quality to obtain reliable and reproducible results,” states Dr. Susanne Kolle, responsible for GIVIMP implementation at BASF. “The GIVIMP certification provides a third-party testimony to our commitment to quality. Additionally, we will be seeking adherence to these principles by test method developers and laboratories who wish to work with us.”

IIVS, a non-profit organization with a mission to increase the use and acceptance of non-animal, so called in vitro test methods, and a leading provider of such methods, created the GIVIMP certification program to foster uptake and implementation of the quality principles in GIVIMP. “IIVS has been a leader in the application of quality management procedures to in vitro methods for the past 25 years. This certification program expands our work in this area by allowing us to share quality concepts broadly across the industry through use of the OECD GIVIMP guidance document as the globally harmonized standard,” comments Amanda Ulrey, Vice President at IIVS and head of the certification program.

Dr. Sandra Coecke, one of the main authors of the OECD guidance document on Good In Vitro Method Practices says: “GIVIMP is a globally harmonized guidance document embracing the use of best science, innovation, and high-quality cell and tissue-based quality methods. When properly implemented, GIVIMP increases the reliability and integrity of the generated data and related reports and will improve the efficiency of novel method development for evidence-based decision-making.”

The business-to-business certification program is flexible in design and results in a useful gap analysis document which provides the participating organization meaningful input on improving quality procedures. IIVS and BASF hope that this program will help increase confidence in data generated by newly developed non-animal test methods and thereby broaden their application for decision making.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €78.6 billion in 2021. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.

About the Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS)

IIVS is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of non-animal test methods. Founded in 1997, IIVS is recognized as a leading provider of in vitro testing in support of toxicological safety evaluations. Rigorous scientific programs coupled with educational and outreach initiatives have established IIVS as a global leader in the advancement of alternatives to animal testing. For more information, visit us at www.iivs.org.

Media contacts:

BASF SE                                                          IIVS

Corporate Media Relations                              

Holger Kapp                                                    Erin Hill

Phone: +49 621 60-20732                              Phone: +1 301 947-1281

holger.kapp@basf.com                               Ehill@iivs.og

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