The government has detailed for the first time how it aims to fulfil its manifesto pledge to work toward phasing out animal testing.
The new plans include replacing animal testing for some major safety tests by the end of this year and cutting the use of dogs and non-human primates in tests for human medicines by at least 35% by 2030.
The Labour Party said in its manifesto that it would partner with scientists, industry, and civil society as we work towards the phasing out of animal testing.
Science Minister Lord Vallance told BBC News that he could imagine a day where the use of animals in science was almost completely phased out but acknowledged that it would take time.
Animal experiments in the UK peaked at 4.14 million in 2015 driven mainly by a big increase then in genetic modification experiments – mostly on mice and fish. By 2020, the number had fallen sharply to 2.88 million as alternative methods were developed. But since then that decline has plateaued.
Lord Vallance further emphasized the need to accelerate the adoption of alternatives like experiments using animal tissues grown from stem cells, AI, and computer simulations.
Under new government plans, by the end of 2025, scientists will cease using animals for some critical safety tests and adopt newer methods involving human cells instead.
However, experts have voiced concerns about the feasibility of eliminating all animal tests, stressing the complexities involved in understanding biological systems fully.
The government is committed to increasing funding for research into alternative methods and establishing a centre to validate these advancements.
