The government has announced a new plan to accelerate the phasing out of animal testing in scientific research. Science Minister Lord Vallance revealed a roadmap that aims to eliminate tests as soon as alternative methods become available, supported by £75 million in additional funding. By the end of 2026, regulatory testing on animals for skin and eye irritation and sensitization will cease.
In 2027, researchers are expected to end botox strength tests on mice and transition to DNA-based lab methods for testing human medicines for potential contaminants. Pharmacokinetic studies on dogs and non-human primates will be reduced by the end of 2029.
To complement this plan, the Medical Research Council (MRC), Innovate UK, and the Wellcome Trust have pledged £15.9 million to advance human in vitro models. These models, including organ-on-a-chip systems, offer a way to test drug effects without using animals, providing more relevant results for humans.
Lord Vallance emphasized the commitment to ending animal testing where possible, promoting collaboration among government, businesses, and animal welfare groups to expedite the adoption of alternative methods. The announcement has received positive feedback from welfare groups, although some advocate for legislative reinforcement of the government’s commitments.
Recent figures from the Home Office revealed a slight decrease in scientific procedures involving animals in 2024 compared to the previous year. Notably, experiments on specially protected species like cats, dogs, horses, and non-human primates have seen fluctuations in numbers.
Lord Vallance confirmed that no new licenses will be granted for the Forced Swim Test, a controversial practice that will be phased out entirely. He expressed optimism about the advancements in scientific techniques, such as AI and 3D cell structures, that offer viable alternatives to animal testing.
Various stakeholders in the scientific and animal welfare communities have welcomed the government’s strategy to reduce animal testing. While recognizing the importance of animal research in certain contexts, the focus remains on accelerating the transition to non-animal methods for ethical and effective scientific advancements.