NIH says no to exclusive animal experiments and favors alternative tech

The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) will not be issuing funding opportunities that only involve animal testing to promote human-based research technologies. This announcement opens new funding opportunities for research involving non-animal methods (NAMs).

NIH deputy director Dr. Nicole Kleinstreuer stresses that improving human health cannot be based on outdated animal-based models, as they do not translate to human outcomes.

“We must embrace new technology along with reproducibility and transparency and innovation — all of these are values at the heart of NAMs’ adoption and replacement of animal tests.”

“I really want to emphasize that we’re not just investing in NAMs. We’re creating the policy, infrastructure, and partnerships that make that sustainable adoption possible. So that we’re not just shutting down animal labs overnight. We are actually developing long-term solutions that ensure that there are no new animal labs that open up in their place…This is how we go from one-off pilot studies to policy. This is how we evolve from just making progress to actual permanence in this space.”

She adds that new funding opportunities should use language that considers the use of NAMs. Nutrition research is carried out under the NIH. PETA flags that more than 110 million animals are used in US research and testing each year.

This prospect looks positive following NIH’s major changes in June, which included laying off 1,200 employees and budget cuts. 

Public and science institutions were outraged, and some also filed a lawsuit challenging the abrupt cancellation of research grants by NIH, especially those involving LGBTQ people or racial minorities. Later that month, the federal court ruled that disfavored topics and populations are unlawful, arbitrary, and capricious, and therefore void.

Positive reception 

The NIH’s medical ethics organization applauds the agency for the announcement. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has been rallying against the agency to stop animal testing for years, when it used to encourage the practice.

The shift follows NIH director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya’s April announcement to cease animal use.

On Monday, the NIH and FDA held a joint workshop on reducing animal testing. “We have to respect animals,” said FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin A. Makary. “This workshop is about reducing animal testing in every way we can while safeguarding public health.”

He states that NAMs can speed up cures, reduce R&D costs, and lower drug prices, which this administration aims for. They foster innovation, need less capital, and are more humane and ethical. Makary states: “Animals were not created for us to abuse and torture.”

Strong leadership 

The Physicians Committee believes that the policy change comes from strong leadership, noting Kleinstreuer, who has been spearheading human-relevant methods.

“Those of us who’ve had the privilege of working with Dr. Kleinstreuer know just how deeply committed she is to transforming toxicology and biomedical research,” says Dr. Shagun Krishna, director of toxicology at the Physicians Committee.

“Her passion for advancing non-animal methods is matched only by her scientific rigor and strategic vision. She has worked tirelessly for years to bring this change to life, and today’s announcement is a testament to that dedication.”

Kleinstreuer states that the change represents a major structural shift in how biomedical research is funded and conducted, which will influence future partnerships and infrastructure. She argues that the move goes beyond policy to embody a deeper ethical responsibility.

“NIH will no longer seek proposals exclusively for animal models,” says Kleinstreuer. “We are very well placed to move away from animal-based models.”

Krishna adds: “This is what scientific leadership looks like…countless animals will be spared needless suffering in labs.”

In other news, the FDA and NIH announced in May they will invest in scientific research to better understand the root causes of diet-related chronic diseases.