Replacing Animals

HRA concedes that animal research has generated scientific knowledge and advanced medical progress. However, HRA proposes that the benefits are overstated, and that superior methods based on human-biology are much needed to progress human health in the modern era. Whilst there are ongoing attempts to improve the reliability of  animal models, animals cannot accurately mimic human biology, an inherent obstacle which cannot be overcome. 

With the advancement of new approach methodologies (NAMS), defined as ‘non-animal, scientific approaches that focus on human biological processes to investigate disease and potential treatments, using cells from human tissues and organs, as well as existing data’, there are now better ways to do research. 

Around the globe, progress is being made toward eliminating animal testing. Yet Australia is falling behind when it comes to making a commitment to phasing it out.

The Netherlands is leading the way with The Dutch Government committing to a phase out of toxicology tests for chemicals, food ingredients, pesticides, veterinary medicines, and vaccines by 2025. Their Transition Program for Innovation without the use of Animals sets out the means to achieve this through collaboration between the science, health care, government and business community.

In the United States, the Senate passed the FDA Modernization Act in 2022. The Act amends the outmoded regulatory guidance by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to broaden the options for drug developers seeking regulatory approvals to include modern and human-relevant testing methods (such as organ on a chip) in lieu of less effective animal experimentation. This follows the Environmental Protection Agency in the US pledging to eliminate all mammal testing by 2035.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 has provided funding to federal agencies for various initiatives aimed at increasing transparency, developing new approaches, encouraging rehoming and providing sanctuary for chimpanzees formally used in research. 

In 2021, the European Medicines Agency (EMA)—responsible for the safety and monitoring of medicines in the EU—put in place measures to encourage and accelerate the development and adoption of non-animal methods in the testing and approval of new human drugs

The European Parliament passed a recent resolution calling for an action plan to end the use of animal experimentation. Passed with a resounding vote of 667 to 4, the resolution calls for the European Commission to establish an EU-wide action plan with ambitious yet achievable targets and milestones to accelerate progress in phasing out the use of animal methods in scientific research and education. The plan should prioritise funding for the development of non-animal science and technologies. 
The UK also has a published roadmap, strategy, and vision for non-animal technologies in the UK, although admittedly seems to be failing in following this roadmap.

It is time for Australia to set a roadmap to eliminate animal testing, which requires resourcing of the non-animal research sector and collaboration between multiple sectors.

Approximately 90% of drugs found to be safe and effective in preclinical research, of which animal testing is currently often a regulatory requirement, fail to make it to human clinical use (i)