A recent survey by the Pistoia Alliance reveals that over three-quarters of R&D respondents do not use in vitro cell-based alternatives to animal testing. Less than a quarter of the 350 participants, representing pharmaceutical companies, regulators, and CROs, are familiar with non-animal models (NAMs).
Regulatory concerns are the main reason for this reluctance, with 60% of respondents identifying them as a barrier. This is despite support from authorities, and legislative backing like the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, which promotes NAMs in preclinical studies.
To address these challenges, the Pistoia Alliance is launching a Non-Animal Models Community to coordinate efforts and support adoption. Ellen Berg, CSO of Alto Predict, emphasised the potential of NAMs to transform clinical development but noted the need for collaboration to overcome regulatory and technological hurdles.
Currently, the most popular NAMs among users are cell cultures (64%), in silico models (47%), and organoids (36%). However, issues like unreliable data and lack of standardisation hinder wider adoption. The Pistoia Alliance aims to bridge these gaps and further reduce animal testing.
Read the full story here.
