{
  "id": 7571771,
  "title": "How better ways of screening drugs could soon lead to thousands fewer animal tests",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/how-better-ways-of-screening-drugs-could-soon-lead-to-thousands-fewer",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-15T15:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Scientist",
    "slug": "new-scientist",
    "url": "https://www.newscientist.com/article/2587512-how-better-ways-of-screening-drugs-could-soon-lead-to-thousands-fewer-animal-tests/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Scientists are discovering that fewer animals are needed for drug testing, marking a shift from the traditional reliance on animal models. Nearly 190 million animals are used annually in biomedical research globally, but recent efforts to replace animals in scientific research are gaining traction. In April 2025, the FDA published a five-year road map to reduce animal testing for drug safety studies. The NIH also stopped requiring animal models for many grants, while the UK and EU launched plans to phase out animal testing. These initiatives focus on developing better alternative methods to lower the use of animals.\n\nAdvancements in technology, such as plastic slides with human liver cells, lab-grown cells, and AI models, can now detect toxic drug effects and identify potential drug targets without involving animals. Celean Camp, head of the UK campaign group Replacing Animal Research, notes that the evidence now supports phasing out much animal testing. Animal experimentation has roots tracing back to ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, but systematic use began in the mid-1800s. Advocates argued animals' biological similarities to humans justified testing, but pushback emerged early, leading to the UK's first animal testing law in 1876.\n\nDespite technological progress, animal testing remains essential for probing biological processes and screening experimental medicines, contributing to breakthroughs like insulin, antibiotics, pacemakers, and COVID-19 vaccines. Regulatory frameworks adhere to the 3Rs principle – replacement, reduction, and refinement – but enforcement varies. Public opinion has waned, with fewer than half of Americans believing animal testing is morally acceptable in 2025. As regulatory agencies push for non-animal methods, transitioning away from traditional animal models is underway, though it won't be a complete replacement, as some alternatives can't fully replicate a whole organism.",
  "summary": "Scientists can now get more accurate safety data by testing drugs on organ-on-a-chip devices and organoids, meaning that there's increasingly less need to harm animals",
  "key_points": [
    "Nearly 190 million animals used annually in biomedical research globally.",
    "FDA published five-year road map in April 2025 to reduce animal testing.",
    "Advancements like human liver cells and AI models can detect toxic drug effects without animals."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}