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A sea change is underway that recognises the opportunities non-animal research methods present. Humane and human relevant, they are set to transform testing into the future. This page provides a brief overview of the hi-tech methods and click here to find out about the hurdles to be overcome and some of the key-players.
 
The conditions needed for these scientific breakthroughs to take place lie inside our control.  Funding, co-operation and political will are vital. Hurdles need to be overcome and practices put in place to quicken the pace of progress.
 
Hi-tech procedures, replacing the need for animal testing, offer real hope of humane scientific research. Each of these new methods hold enormous potential; not only more humane, the findings have direct relevance to humans.
 
Follow the development of alternative methods for testing chemicals, from pre-validation through to international regulatory acceptance here 

Here are just a few of the groundbreaking alternatives that are being developed:

  • Tissue engineering uses living cells as engineering materials, to produce artificial tissue, for instance; respiratory airways and corneas. More … [pdf]

  • Skin models use patches of skin grown in the petri dish, replacing rabbits in skin irritation and corrosion tests.  Research is also underway into the use of skin models to replace animals in toxicity testing and drug screening.

  • Silicone microchip or “biochips” hold hundreds of tiny white dots containing human cell cultures and enzymes. Able to mimic human reactions to potentially toxic compounds, and chart reactions over time. More … [pdf]

  • Computer modelling uses software to predict the toxicity of a compound, and simulate how the body works, responds to drugs or surgery.
    From the Virtual Rat Simulator which can replace real ones in drug development. More … [pdf]

    To the Virtual Physiological Human project which holds the potential to personalise treatments for individual patients. More … [pdf]

  • Microdosing involves giving doses to human subjects in minute quantities that are unlikely to have a whole body effect, yet high enough to be able to monitor human response to the drug. This provides crucial data to determine the correct dosage for a given drug. More … [pdf]

Follow the development of alternative methods for testing chemicals, from pre-validation through to international regulatory acceptance here