UK unveils roadmap to reduce animal testing in drug development

This is a very promising roadmap! Although the process is still in very early stages, I think both organ-on-a-chip & 3D biopriting have great potential to reduce animal testing. #proudstemcellscientist #humanipscresearch

A well-structured and funded pathway underpinned by the UK Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (UKCVAM). It is refreshing to see evidence based policy to advance new approach methodologies.

It’s brilliant to see this week that the UK is committing to phasing out animal testing, following the FDA’s announcement earlier this year to do the same. By utilising alternative models such as organ-on-a-chip, organoids, 3D tissue and organ models, genomics, and AI, the UK aims to phase out the use of animals in drug development over the next five years. £75 million in new funding will establish a UK Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods, streamlining the regulatory pathway for these new approaches that is currently lacking. Additional support from the MRC, Innovate UK, and the Wellcome Trust will also help us further advance these promising human in vitro models. Definitely ‘watch this space’ as these next-generation models not only have the potential to reduce animal testing in the labs, but also the potential to deliver better, more predictive insights into drug efficacy and safety in humans by more closely replicating human biology.

A major milestone for UK science and innovation Today, Lord Vallance announced the UK Roadmap to Reduce Animal Testing in Drug Development, a bold step toward accelerating the adoption of human-relevant research models. This initiative is part of a broader global trend toward ethical, predictive science. With £75 million committed to technologies such as organ-on-a-chip systems, AI-driven predictive models, and 3D bioprinted tissues, with goals like ending regulatory tests for skin and eye irritation by 2026. To ensure these innovations gain regulatory trust, the UK will establish the UK Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (UKCVAM), a critical move for widespread adoption. At Axol Bioscience, this roadmap aligns perfectly with our mission. For over a decade, we’ve been pioneering human iPSC-derived cells and advanced in vitro systems to empower researchers to generate physiologically-relevant and reproducible data, exactly the kind of innovation this roadmap champions. This isn’t just policy, it’s a turning point for life sciences. Together, we can drive a future where research is ethical, predictive, and patient-focused. What does this mean for researchers? • Greater regulatory clarity for non-animal methods • Increased funding for validation and adoption • Opportunities to lead in human-based research Read the press release here: https://hubs.la/Q03Szdl30 Learn more about our iPSC-derived models here: https://hubs.la/Q03SzdNK0 #iPSCs #Innovation #NAMs #UKScience

A major milestone for UK science and innovation Today, Lord Vallance announced the UK Roadmap to Reduce Animal Testing in Drug Development, a bold step toward accelerating the adoption of human-relevant research models. This initiative is part of a broader global trend toward ethical, predictive science. With £75 million committed to technologies such as organ-on-a-chip systems, AI-driven predictive models, and 3D bioprinted tissues, with goals like ending regulatory tests for skin and eye irritation by 2026. To ensure these innovations gain regulatory trust, the UK will establish the UK Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (UKCVAM), a critical move for widespread adoption. At Axol Bioscience, this roadmap aligns perfectly with our mission. For over a decade, we’ve been pioneering human iPSC-derived cells and advanced in vitro systems to empower researchers to generate physiologically-relevant and reproducible data, exactly the kind of innovation this roadmap champions. This isn’t just policy, it’s a turning point for life sciences. Together, we can drive a future where research is ethical, predictive, and patient-focused. What does this mean for researchers? • Greater regulatory clarity for non-animal methods • Increased funding for validation and adoption • Opportunities to lead in human-based research Read the press release here: https://hubs.la/Q03SzdH90 Learn more about our iPSC-derived models here: https://hubs.la/Q03Szd8F0 #iPSCs #Innovation #NAMs #UKScience

A major milestone for UK science and innovation Today, Lord Vallance announced the UK Roadmap to Reduce Animal Testing in Drug Development, a bold step toward accelerating the adoption of human-relevant research models. This initiative is part of a broader global trend toward ethical, predictive science. With £75 million committed to technologies such as organ-on-a-chip systems, AI-driven predictive models, and 3D bioprinted tissues, with goals like ending regulatory tests for skin and eye irritation by 2026. To ensure these innovations gain regulatory trust, the UK will establish the UK Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (UKCVAM), a critical move for widespread adoption. At Axol Bioscience, this roadmap aligns perfectly with our mission. For over a decade, we’ve been pioneering human iPSC-derived cells and advanced in vitro systems to empower researchers to generate physiologically-relevant and reproducible data, exactly the kind of innovation this roadmap champions. This isn’t just policy, it’s a turning point for life sciences. Together, we can drive a future where research is ethical, predictive, and patient-focused. What does this mean for researchers? • Greater regulatory clarity for non-animal methods • Increased funding for validation and adoption • Opportunities to lead in human-based research Read the press release here: https://hubs.la/Q03Szdtl0 Learn more about our iPSC-derived models here: https://hubs.la/Q03SzdMP0 #iPSCs #Innovation #NAMs #UKScience

🔬 Validating the Future and Redefining Preclinical Science! The UK’s new roadmap to phase out animal testing faster marks a pivotal moment for biomedical innovation. As we move towards more predictive and human-relevant systems, it’s inspiring to see real commitment translating into action. 🐁 Much as I support the reduction of animal models in drug discovery—and as excited as I am about technologies like #OrganOnAChip, #3DBioprinting, and the integration of #AI with in silico modelling—our focus must remain on ensuring these systems are robustly validated, standardised, and globally recognised. 🤝 Only through strong collaboration between academia, industry, and regulators can these innovations become true replacements, not just alternatives. ⚙️ The creation of the UK Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (UKCVAM) is a promising step in this direction. By bridging scientific excellence with regulatory trust, the UK is laying the groundwork for a more ethical and effective drug development pipeline. 📢🌍 The next big opportunity? International partnerships and data-sharing to harmonise validation approaches and accelerate adoption worldwide. The future of preclinical science will be built not just on new technologies—but on collaboration, transparency, and shared vision. https://lnkd.in/dHaUViRr

Animal testing to be phased out faster as UK unveils roadmap for alternative methods - GOV.UK https://lnkd.in/eMibKVbs Today, the UK Government announced a roadmap to accelerate the transition from animal testing to alternative methods. This includes £75 million funding to bring forward new testing methods, enabling researchers to embrace technologies such as organ-on-a-chip, AI and 3D model systems. We believe the adoption of new approach methodologies (NAMs) represents a fundamental shift in how we understand and model disease, providing drug discovery teams with more predictive, human-relevant data to improve translational success. We applaud the work that has led to today’s announcement.   If you’re interested to learn more about how new approach methodologies are reshaping drug discovery, join our expert team and Clive Roper BSc PhD CBiol CSci ERT FRSB for our upcoming webinar: Wednesday, 19 November 2025 15:00–16:00 (UTC) | 10:00–11:00 (EST) | 07:00–08:00 (PST) Register today: https://lnkd.in/eHwunfnY

The UK Government has joined the FDA and The National Institutes of Health in committing to New Approach Methods (#NAMs) to reduce reliance on animal models in drug discovery and development. We’re particularly pleased to see the UK’s new roadmap is backed by £75 million in funding and the establishment of a Preclinical Translational Models Hub, bringing together data, technology, and expertise to advance collaboration and validation, and The UK Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (UKCVAM), designed to streamline regulatory approval. These investments signal a clear global alignment around the scientific and ethical imperative to build safer, more predictive models for human biology. Will the European Medicines Agency be next? 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eMibKVbs

We don't always get it right in the UK, but this put a smile on my face 😅 The UK government has announced a roadmap towards phasing out animal testing and accelerating adoption of advanced, human-relevant models like; - 🫁 Organ-on-a-chip - 🖨️ 3D bioprinting - 💻 Insilco modelling This shift isn't just ethical. It's scientific progress. Faster, more predictive, and closer to real human biology. The questions now though🤔; - How quickly can CROs and pharma adapt? - Which new alternative model will reign the new 'gold standard'? - How much validation is needed for the new models to go mainstream in trials? Read the full announcement here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eNBj22EJ #LifeSciences #Biotech #Pharma #Innovation #DrugDevelopment #AI #3DBioprinting #FutureOfScience #EthicalResearch