Alternatives to Animal Experiments in Research and Regulatory Testing

Abstract

The term “alternatives” is used to describe any method resulting in the replacement of animals or reduction in the numbers used in that procedure or refinement of techniques that may minimize pain and suffering in the animals. Every year, we use millions of experimental animals of various species in biomedical research and in testing to assess the safety and effectiveness of drugs, cosmetics, and chemicals. The pain and suffering that these animals experience during these scientific experiments have always been an issue of serious debate. Several scientists, organizations, and institutes across the globe are working for developing and validating alternative methods, and progress has certainly been made in replacing methods using animals that have been in use for several years now with alternate methods. Some of these alternate methods have become a standard practice due to being more ethical, safe, cost-effective, quick, and accurate. However, it is certainly time now that the scientific communities consider using the available alternative methods like computer models, cell and tissue cultures, microorganisms, invertebrates, lower vertebrates, human tissues, and volunteers wherever possible and prioritize the replacement of animals over the refinement and reduction strategies. One of the most effective ways to advance this vision would be by increasing awareness in the scientific community about the available alternative methods and by sharing knowledge through education and training. The purpose of this chapter is to make the readers aware of the available alternative methods that they may use to replace, reduce, or refine the use of animals and to provide guidance on some of the available resources where they can look for these methods. We can certainly be hopeful that with the new, stricter regulations and smarter and scientifically validated alternatives being developed by scientists, the number of animals that are currently being used in research, testing, and education will continue to decline in the future.