UK Leads Push to Replace Animal Testing with AI and 'Organs on Chips'

The UK government has announced a strategy to significantly reduce and eventually replace animal testing, joining similar initiatives in the US and Europe. The plan includes phasing out animal testing for skin irritants by the end of next year, Botox potency tests on mice by 2027, and reducing drug tests on dogs and primates by 2030. This move is driven by advances in medical science and biotechnology, offering alternatives like 'organs on chips' – miniature versions of human organs used to test therapies. Researchers have already created models of livers, intestines, hearts, kidneys, and brains, with applications ranging from studying the effects of radiation to assessing COVID-19 vaccines. AI is also playing a crucial role, aiding in drug design and the creation of 'digital twins' of organs. These digital reconstructions can be used to simulate the effects of treatments, potentially guiding surgeons and personalizing medical interventions. Natalia Trayanova, a biomedical engineering professor, is using digital hearts to guide surgeons on heart procedures. While the UK government acknowledges that animal testing is still required by some regulators and that current alternatives aren't perfect, the rapid progress in AI and biotechnology suggests a future where animal testing is no longer necessary.