Complementarity and integration of animal and in vitro non-animal pre-clinical model systems– an Australian perspective

Abstract

Recent advances in the development of pre-clinical models based on non-animal technologies (NATs) have stimulated expectations that the use of animals in research may soon be phased out. The true value of innovations in NATs and their applications lies, however, in enabling an expanded and integrated portfolio of complementary animal and non-animal model systems to improve the accuracy and efficiency of pre-clinical research and therapeutic development. The term NATs covers a range of techniques spanning in silico, cell free, organ-on-chip as well as in vitro techniques including three-dimensional cell culture models termed organoids. Of these, in vitro systems are currently the most broadly used in biomedicine laboratories and are the first NATs for which Australia has invested in nationwide support. The focus of this commentary is the importance of understanding the strengths and limitations of in vitro and animal models such that an integrated portfolio of complementary genetic models continues to evolve to best support pre-clinical research and therapeutic development pipelines.