The latest version of the OECD QSAR Toolbox version 4.8 has
been released, introducing new functionalities and technical improvements to
enhance usability, transparency, and data security. The QSAR Toolbox is a
freely available software that supports chemical hazard assessment and reduces
the need for animal testing. It is developed jointly by the European Chemicals
Agency (ECHA), the OECD Environment Directorate, and implemented by the
Laboratory of Mathematical Chemistry.
Key Enhancements in Version 4.8
The latest update includes several improvements aimed at optimising performance
and data handling:
- Integration
of metabolism data: Users can now import and visualise structural data
and metadata from metabolism databases, strengthening the analysis of
biotransformation processes.
- New
and updated databases and profiles: The update adds new datasets and
improves existing ones to expand chemical coverage and enhance predictive
accuracy.
- Updated
QSAR documentation: The documentation of QSAR predictions has been
revised in line with the OECD QSAR Assessment Framework to ensure greater
transparency and consistency.
- Improved
security and support: Updated libraries and software components
enhance system stability and data protection.
Supporting Regulatory and Research Applications
The OECD QSAR Toolbox continues to support regulatory research applications,
enabling data gap filling, read-across, and category formation in chemical
safety assessment. Version 4.8 continues to support international efforts to
harmonise chemical assessment approaches and minimise animal testing.
The release notes for QSAR Toolbox 4.8 are available here.
