Advancing Humane Science
Investing in Modern Methods
Better science helps animals and humans.
Research done on animals does not translate to humans
Drugs that fail in human clinical trials.
Taxpayer money spent on animal testing annually.
Did you know?
Which and how many animals are used in research?
In the latest reporting from the USDA in 2023, 844,915 animals – including dogs, cats, pigs, guinea pigs, sheep, nonhuman primates, and more – were listed as being held or used in research. These are only animals covered by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), though. Animals not covered include mice, rats, birds, and fish and cold-blooded animals, which make up between 95-99 percent of all animals used in experiments.
What technologies are being developed to replace animal testing?
The animal model is flawed and outdated
With the animal model’s high failure rate in clinical drug trials, there are limitations with extrapolating data from existing models to people. Human-relevant methods can be a more efficient, effective way to do science.
Barriers to Widespread Adoption of Animal Replacements in Science
Progress in humane science faces obstacles rooted in outdated regulations, institutional habits, limited resources, and industry hesitation.
Many laws and regulatory frameworks still require animal testing, slowing the acceptance of replacements.
Researchers and institutions often rely on traditional methods out of habit, training, or perceived reliability.
Funding for alternative methods is significantly lower than that for animal research, limiting development and validation.
New technologies must undergo rigorous validation to gain regulatory approval, a process that can be slow and expensive.
Many scientists are not educated on the latest alternatives or lack access to training in these methods.
Pharmaceutical, chemical, and biomedical industries may be hesitant to transition due to concerns about cost, time, and regulatory acceptance.
Arguments Against Animal Models
Science can be done more effectively and more humanely
Cutting-edge technologies like organ-on-a-chip, AI-driven modeling, and 3D cell cultures are proving to be more predictive of human responses than animal models.
Many animal studies fail to translate to human outcomes, contributing to high drug failure rates. Non-animal models can improve efficiency and safety.
Agencies like the FDA and NIH are increasingly recognizing and integrating alternatives, signaling a shift toward more modern, human-relevant science.
Beyond scientific considerations, the ethical duty to reduce harm and suffering underscores the need to prioritize humane research methods.
Our Mission in Science and Research
Our mission is to transform research by replacing animal use with ethical, human-relevant solutions. We champion innovation in testing, research, and education to advance science that benefits both humans and animals, ensuring a future that is more humane and effective.
How We Invest In Progress
NAVS Empowers Humane Science
NAVS Presents the Humane Science Award
- We’re Advancing Science
By investing in humane methods, NAVS is building a future where the animal model is no longer the norm.
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