New plan backs researchers to seize on new and developing opportunities to phase out animal tests with specific commitments for the coming years
Animal testing in science is set to be phased out faster under a new plan to deliver on the government’s manifesto commitment, unveiled by Science Minister Lord Vallance today (Tuesday 11 November).
ADVERTISEMENT: Start Investing with No Fees — Join Robinhood Today
The comprehensive roadmap backs researchers to seize on new and developing opportunities to replace certain animal tests, which are currently still used – where necessary – to determine the safety of products like life-saving vaccines and the impact chemicals like pesticides can have on living beings and the environment.
The strategy recognises that phasing out the use of animals in science can only happen where reliable and effective alternative methods, with the same level of safety for human exposure, can replace them. By working in tandem with partners, backing researchers with new funding and streamlining regulation, the plan will enable teams to pivot safely to methods like:
The plan sets out specific commitments for the coming years, marking it out as one of the most detailed of its kind in the world and opening up new opportunities for the UK to lead on unearthing alternatives to phase out animal tests while growing our economy.
ADVERTISEMENT: Start Investing with No Fees — Join Robinhood Today
This includes an end to regulatory testing on animals to assess the potential for new treatments to cause skin and eye irritation and skin sensitisation by the end of 2026. By 2027 researchers are expected to end tests of the strength of botox on mice and to use only DNA-based lab methods for adventitious agent testing of human medicines – the process for detecting viruses or bacteria that might accidentally contaminate medicines.
By 2030 it will also reduce pharmacokinetic studies – which track how a drug moves through the body over time – on dogs and non-human primates.
The strategy builds on the UK’s strong track record in developing and adopting alternative methods, such as in establishing the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) – the first organisation of its kind, which has successfully delivered non-animal alternatives in areas like vaccines, backed by millions of pounds of government funding.
Developed by government with close consultation from life sciences experts, businesses and animal welfare organisations, the plan will deliver on the government’s manifesto commitment to improve animal welfare by partnering with scientists, industry, and civil society to phase out of animal testing.
Science Minister Lord Vallance said:
The Strategy is backed by £60 million of funding, which will be used to set up a hub that will bring together data, technology and expertise to promote collaboration between researchers and a separate new centre to make the path to regulatory approval for new alternatives as straightforward as possible.
ADVERTISEMENT: Start Investing with No Fees — Join Robinhood Today
Alongside the new plan, £15.9 million has been committed by the Medical Research Council (MRC), Innovate UK and the Wellcome Trust to advance promising ‘human in vitro models’.
This includes organ-on-a-chip systems so researchers can test how drugs affect people without using animals, while also unearthing results more relevant to humans. 5 teams across the UK will focus on human in vitro disease models of the liver, brain, cancer, pain and blood vessels.
The government is also committed to supporting validation to ensure that scientific and technical advances lead to a faster transition away from animal use – with robust targets underscoring the need to bring these alternatives forward as soon as they are viable. This could also benefit, for example, cosmetics companies, as while animal testing is banned for cosmetic products, it will potentially open up new opportunities to test potential products which cannot currently be.
The strategy will be overseen by a committee, chaired by Lord Vallance and involving other government ministers and departments, regulators and funders. Key performance indicators will be published next year to monitor progress.
Other commitments as part of the strategy include:
ADVERTISEMENT: Start Investing with No Fees — Join Robinhood Today
Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman said:
Home Office Minister Lord Hanson said:
Responses
Barney Reed, Science and Policy Manager - Animals in Science, RSPCA, said:
Dr Vicky Robinson, Chief Executive, NC3Rs said:
ABPI Chief Executive Richard Torbett said:
Nicola Perrin, Chief Executive of the Association of Medical Research Charities, said:
Dr Doug Brown FRSB, Chief Executive of the RSB said:
Edith Heard, Director of the Francis Crick Institute, said:
Wendy Jarrett, CEO of Understanding Animal Research (UAR) said:
Dr Sally Robinson, Chair, Animals in Science Committee, said:
Notes for Editors
The £15.9 million funding call for ‘human in vitro models’ has been funded jointly by the:
The strategy establishes a preclinical translational models hub – a new institute bringing together data, technology and expertise to promote collaboration in the field – and a UK Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (UKCVAM) which will speed up the path to regulatory approval, streamlining the processes for bringing alternatives forward.