The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced a new initiative aimed at expanding human-based research technologies while reducing the use of animals in scientific studies. This move aligns with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) recent efforts to minimize animal testing. Although animal models have traditionally played a critical role in scientific advancement, the NIH seeks to enhance research capabilities by utilizing innovative, non-animal research models.
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, Director of the NIH, highlighted the shift towards human-based approaches, stating, “For decades, our biomedical research system has relied heavily on animal models. With this initiative, NIH is ushering in a new era of innovation. By integrating advances in data science and technology with our growing understanding of human biology, we can fundamentally reimagine the way research is conducted—from clinical development to real-world application. This human-based approach will accelerate innovation, improve healthcare outcomes, and deliver life-changing treatments. It marks a critical leap forward for science, public trust, and patient care.”
Challenges in translating results from animal models to human diseases, such as Alzheimer's and cancer, have been documented. Differences in anatomy, physiology, and disease characteristics between humans and animals have been identified as contributory factors to translational limitations. In response, emerging technologies offer new methods to study health and disease using human data, potentially yielding more replicable and translatable results.
The NIH plans to establish the Office of Research Innovation, Validation, and Application (ORIVA) within the NIH's Office of the Director. ORIVA will spearhead efforts to validate and scale non-animal approaches within NIH's research portfolio and act as a central hub for interagency coordination. The new office will drive funding and training initiatives for non-animal approaches, ensuring researchers have access to these methodologies.
NIH's grant review process will also see changes, with staff undergoing mitigation training to address potential biases toward animal studies. Alternative method experts will be included in study sections to complement these efforts. Additionally, NIH will provide annual reports on research spending to track the shift from animal-based to human-based study funding.
The NIH, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, encompasses 27 institutes and centers. As the primary federal agency for medical research, the NIH investigates a wide range of diseases and seeks to improve treatment and outcomes.
