The UK government has set out an ambitious plan to phase out animal testing in scientific studies within five years, with technologies like AI, organ-on-a-chip systems, and 3D bioprinted tissues the key to making that possible.
The first-ever strategy is backed with around £75 million in new funding to drive the development and adoption of new non-animal methods, although scientists have suggested that it may not be feasible to meet the abolition target in some areas, particularly medical research.
That is reflected in the schedule for the scheme. For example, some uses of animals will be banned from the end of 2026 – specifically tests to see if new products cause skin and eye irritation or sensitisation – with the use of animal models to test for viruses or bacteria that might contaminate medicines prohibited from 2027.
By 2030, however, the objective is to “reduce” pharmacokinetic studies on drugs and non-human primates, rather than preventing the testing entirely.
“This is a roadmap which will ensure government, businesses and animal welfare groups can work together to find alternatives to animal testing faster and more effectively,” said Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance.
£60 million in funding is earmarked for a hub to promote collaboration between researchers and a new centre to work out a speedy path to regulatory approval for animal testing alternatives, with £15.9 million set aside for researching in vitro models like organs-on-a-chip for use in studying the liver, brain, cancer, pain, and blood vessels.
Other elements of the strategy include training in alternative methods for early career researchers from next year, setting research priorities for non-animal methods every two years, and encouraging additional funding for new technologies.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) said it “cautiously welcomed” the government’s announcement, particularly efforts to build awareness and confidence amongst scientists, funding bodies and regulators in these new technologies, but urged ministers to “ensure delivery of the proposed actions in the plan.”
The UK’s action follows recent announcements in other countries, including the US, where the FDA said in April that it intends to reduce or replace animal testing of some medicines, including monoclonal antibodies.
Rochard Torbett, chief executive of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), also expressed support for the strategy, saying that “while the science does not yet exist to fully eliminate animal testing, industry has already made significant strides in reducing, replacing and refining their use and remains committed to driving further advances at pace.”
