For the second time this year, the Department of Health and Human Services announced a new set of strategies to speed a shift toward human-based research methods and reduce the use of animals in medical testing.
In one move, the Food and Drug Administration issued a final rule stating that research methods other than animal testing can be used when “appropriate” for determining the safety of drugs and biologics. Specifically, the rule replaces terms like “animal tests” and “animal studies” with “nonclinical tests” and “nonclinical studies.”
At the same time, the National Institutes of Health unveiled several initiatives, such as $88 million in funding for 10 infrastructure projects across the country designed to encourage the use of “new approach methodologies,” such as cell-based assays, organs-on-a-chip, and computer models, among other things.
This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers
Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts.
Already have an account? Log in
To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+.
