HHS Promotes Transition to Human-Centric Research Approaches, Minimizing Animal Testing

To modernize biomedical research by promoting human-centric methods and reducing unnecessary animal testing.

HHS Initiative: HHS unveiled coordinated steps to enhance human-based research methods while minimizing animal testing.
NIH Investments: NIH announced funding and initiatives to develop infrastructure for human-based research, including over $88 million for nationwide projects.
FDA Modernization: FDA is revising regulations to decrease reliance on animal studies in drug development, aiming to improve safety and efficiency.
CDC Actions: CDC is reducing its animal colony and enhancing review procedures for animal research aligned with public health priorities.
ARPA-H Funding: ARPA-H is funding AI and computational modeling to improve drug safety predictions and reduce preclinical animal testing.

HHS agencies have initiated over 20 efforts to promote human-based research.
NIH is establishing infrastructure for human-based research and has closed its beagle laboratory.
FDA's regulatory updates are expected to spare hundreds of non-human primates and over one million horseshoe crabs annually.
CDC is rigorously reviewing animal research to align with public health missions.
ARPA-H is focusing on AI and computational modeling to enhance drug safety predictions.

The initiative aims to create a biomedical research environment that prioritizes human biology and reduces reliance on animal testing.

The effectiveness of new human-centric methods compared to traditional animal testing is not yet fully established.
Implementation of new approaches may face regulatory and logistical challenges.