Towards systematic read-across using Generalised Read-Across (GenRA)

Abstract

Read-across continues to be a popular data gap filling technique within category and analogue approaches. One of the main issues hindering read-across acceptance is the notion of addressing and reducing uncertainties. Frameworks and formats have been created to help facilitate read-across development, evaluation, and residual uncertainties. However, read-across remains an expert-driven approach with each assessment decided on its own merits with no objective means of evaluating performance or quantifying uncertainties. Here, the underlying motivation of creating an algorithmic approach to read-across, namely the Generalised Read-Across (GenRA) approach, is described. The overall objectives of the approach were to quantify performance and uncertainty. Progress made in quantifying the impact of each similarity context commonly relied upon as part of read-across assessment are discussed. The framework underpinning the approach, the software tools developed to date and how GenRA can be used to make and interpret predictions as part of a screening level hazard assessment decision context are illustrated. Future directions and some of the overarching issues still needed in this field and the extent to which GenRA might facilitate those needs are discussed.