On November 11, 2025, UK government has officially unveiled its Strategic Roadmap for Replacing Animal Testing in Scientific Research, outlining plans to accelerate the phase-out of animal experiments in research and gradually terminate specific tests within six years. Supported by £75 million (approximately ¥690 million RMB), this initiative aims to promote cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and organ-on-a-chip systems as safe alternatives to animal testing.
Timetable
For the first time, the roadmap specifies concrete deadlines for eliminating animal experiments:
- By the end of 2026: Halt animal testing for skin and eye irritation in new drug development.
- By 2027: Eliminate mouse testing for botulinum toxin toxicity, mandating DNA-based methods to screen for pharmaceutical contamination.
- By 2030: Gradually reduce in vivo metabolic tracking experiments in dogs and non-human primates.
Emerging Alternative Technologies
Three advanced technologies are now being prioritized for adoption:
- Organ-on-a-chip systems: These devices use human cells to mimic organ functions and have already replaced some animal testing in vaccine development.
- AI-driven drug analysis: Leveraging big data to predict molecular safety and efficacy, significantly reducing reliance on animals for drug screening.
- 3D bioprinted tissues: Create highly realistic (over 90% accuracy) human tissue samples, such as skin and liver models.
Funding and Infrastructure
The government has pledged £60 million to establish a central hub integrating data, technology, and expertise to foster collaboration among researchers. A new regulatory body will also streamline approvals for alternative methods. Additionally, the Medical Research Council (MRC), Innovate UK, and the Wellcome Trust have jointly committed £15.9 million to advance promising "human-relevant in vitro models."
Further Information
