What are the alternatives to animal testing?

Alternatives to animal testing and research aren’t always like-for-like. Researchers must have a clear understanding of their research question and the data needed to answer it, this may require more than one research method They must also also have the skills to search for and apply alternative non-animal approaches. That’s why education and collaboration are such an essential part of Replacing Animal Research’s work.

By working with researchers, we can help them find the right non-animal methods. Where they don’t currently exist, we provide funding and support to create them.

We work with researchers, regulators and policymakers to support the replacement of animals in line with current animal research legislation. This comes under requirements known as the ‘3Rs’ principles.

In vitro example of alternatives to animal testing

In vitro research

In vitro research methods use, and grow, human cells and tissues in a lab. This might include tissue donated by patients, lab-cultured tissue, or stem cells. Scientists can even create 3D mini organs known as ‘organoids’.

The Replacing Animal Research lab grows 3D in vitro liver models to study liver disease.

Organ-on-a-chip research

Organ-on-a-chip technology uses a range of human cells in small chips that mimic an organ. Theoretically, researchers could even string many chips together to study an entire system.

Summer Studentship winner Jia Jhing Sia used an organ-on-a-chip model to study strokes.

In silico research

In silico research methods use computers, mathematical models, and simulations. This can help predict human responses to drugs and model diseases and treatment outcomes in human populations.

Summer Studentship winner Will Hunt reviewed in silico computer models in neuroscience research.

Human volunteer studies

Humans can volunteer to trial new medicines or treatment options. This can involve techniques like micro-dosing, where volunteers take a tiny amount of a chemical to study the effect before larger-scale human trials.

In 2020, the Replacing Animal Research lab was involved in a human volunteer study into metabolic health.

Human patient studies

Human patient studies work with patients actually living with conditions or diseases. There's a concerning trend to try and mimic human conditions by genetically modifying animals. Information obtained from patients themselves will always be more relevant than animal 'models'.

Summer studentship winner Sarah Orr used kidney cells obtained from patients to study cystic kidney disease.

How can you support the end of animal testing?

We’re thrilled you want to make a difference and help us build a better future for animals and humans. Find out more about how you can help or contact us with any questions you might have, we’d love to hear from you.

Stay in contact and learn how you can make a difference

NAMs are new approach methodologies, sometimes called non-animal methods. NAMs refers to modern research techniques specifically intended as a replacement for animal research.

In our experience, there isn’t a simple answer. It’s about collaboration and remaining committed to our goal.

We focus on three core areas: Supporting research, Shaping Policy, and Influencing Education to ensure non-animal science is prioritised.

Grants and funding to support researchers at every career stage to develop and grow confidence in non-animal research.
Policy work to encourage policymakers to stay up to date on alternatives to animal testing. We also push for an overarching commitment across the government to replace animal research.
Educational opportunities for researchers, students, policymakers, and our wonderful supporters on the importance of rigorous, ethical science and non-animal methods available. In our experience, there isn’t a simple answer. It’s about continuous, clear communication.

The 3Rs is a term used across the world in animal research legislation, and by researchers and universities so it’s a helpful phrase to know and one we use in our work with scientists.

The 3Rs stand for:

Replacement
Reduction
Refinement

The 3Rs’ primary aim is to replace animals with non-animal methods where possible. There’s also a commitment to reduce animal numbers and improve animal welfare where animal use is deemed unavoidable by regulatory bodies or researchers.

Replacing Animal Research’s focus is always the replacement of animals in laboratories. Replacing animal use is the first of the 3Rs that must be considered and implemented. It requires researchers exploring alternative non-animal approaches to obtain data and thinking differently about how to answer research questions. One 3Rs criticism has been that too much time and money goes to the ‘easier’ goals of reduction and refinement. Replacing Animal Research is committed to supporting researchers and other stakeholders search for, review and implement replacements.