Why Animal Research Remains Unavoidable in Medical Science
Two prominent UK scientists have issued a robust defence of animal testing in medical research, warning that completely replacing animals with alternative methods remains scientifically unachievable despite technological advances. The response comes following calls for faster adoption of non-animal research methods.
The Complexity of Biological Systems
Dr Robin Lovell-Badge, principal group leader at the Francis Crick Institute and president of the Institute of Animal Technologists, emphasised that while supporting the development of alternative methods, researchers are definitely not ready to abandon animal research. He noted that current alternatives work well for regulatory testing but fall short for discovery science where understanding causation is crucial.
"Advances in generating detailed information about gene activity in cells and computer analysis have been amazing, but much of this is correlative," Dr Lovell-Badge explained. "To prove causation still requires testing in biological systems."
The Hidden Animal Dependence of Alternatives
Professor Emma Robinson, Professor of Psychopharmacology at the University of Bristol, revealed a critical oversight in the debate: most New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) still fundamentally depend on animal-derived products. She highlighted that essential growing matrices like matrigel come from mouse tumours, while growth mediums often require foetal bovine serum.
"It is easy to say that alternatives will quickly emerge and replace animals completely," Professor Robinson stated, "but biology is extremely complicated and the reality may prove much harder."
Consequences of Premature Transition
Both experts warned that pushing alternative methods too quickly could have significant negative consequences. Dr Lovell-Badge cautioned that premature adoption could hinder discoveries relevant to treating human and animal diseases while demotivating highly trained animal technologists essential for animal welfare and research quality.
Professor Robinson added that for complex areas like brain function, reproductive systems, immune responses, and ageing, no current alternative method comes close to replicating real biology. She concluded that if medical advances are to continue, strictly regulated animal research must unfortunately persist.
The scientists did acknowledge areas where progress could accelerate, particularly in toxicity testing and pharmacokinetics, where changing regulations and additional funding could help adoption of validated alternative methods.
