Significance of Non-Animal Alternative Testing Methods

Throughout generations, animal testing has been prevalent to determine if certain chemicals are suitable for use by humans and/or in the environment. However, this primary practice poses several concerns over the animal subjects involved and is also considered inhumane by many. This compelled doctors and researchers all around the world to refocus and adapt new methodologies for use in humans to understand disease biology. Experiments these days are leading scientists towards animal-free methods that are far more relevant to humans for testing products and examining diseases.

As per a report published by Research Dive, the global non-animal alternative testing market is anticipated to gather a revenue of $29,390.20 million in the 2021-2030 timeframe and grow at a healthy CAGR of 13.0%. Considering this impressive growth rate, it is apparent that the market is here to stay and flourish immensely.

So, let’s dive into some common non-animal alternative testing methods that are widely practiced for drug development, chemical testing, and cosmetic product testing.

Some Common Non-Animal Alternative Testing Methods

Here are a few widely practiced non-animal alternative testing methods to treat prevailing chronic diseases among the geriatric population.

1. In Vitro Method

Researchers have come up with a new technique called “organs-on-chips” that contains human cells grown in an artificial system that mimics the structure and function of human organs. Instead of animals, these chips are used for drug testing, disease research, and examine drug responses in human systems more accurately.

For instance, MatTek Life Sciences’ EpiDerm, a leading in vitro human tissue model solutions, has launched its latest 3D cell-derived model that effectively replaces rabbits in inhumane and prolonged traditional experiments to determine chemicals’ ability to irritate the skin.

2. In Silico Method   

In silico methods include advanced computer models that imitate human biology and responses. Researchers assert that these state-of-the-art models can accurately predict new drugs’ reactions in human systems. Moreover, scientists are also incorporating quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) computer-based techniques to replace chemical testing on animals.

3. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technique

Scientists have also invented ultra-modern functional magnetic resonance imaging technique (fMRI) to replace archaic experiments wherein cats, monkeys, and rats have their brains damaged. fMRI allows researchers to deeply study the human brain and induce brain disorders through transcranial magnetic simulation.

How are Human-Patient Simulators Helping Non-Animal Alternative Testing?

Computerized human-patient simulators that bleed, breathe, talk, and convulse to teach students pharmacology and physiology are better than inhumane experiments that involve cutting up animals. For instance, TrauMan is a similar system that replicates a human’s breathing and bleeding system and has realistic layers of skin and tissue along with internal organs and ribs. Such systems are widely used to teach surgical procedures and other emergency operations.

The Bottom Line

Despite such great innovations and initiatives by researchers, a few experimenters continue to torture animals since computerized models and simulators can’t replace animal testing completely. However, with proper use, these can reduce the need for inhumane animal cuttings, especially while testing cosmetic products. Furthermore, these non-animal alternatives are cost-effective, accurate, and highly desirable to researchers.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.