UK Releases Roadmap for Alternatives to Animal Testing

On November 11, 2025, the UK government officially unveiled its Strategic Roadmap for Replacing Animal Testing in Scientific Research, outlining plans to accelerate the phase-out of animal experiments in research and gradually terminate specific tests within six years. Supported by £75 million (approximately €85 million / ¥690 million RMB), this initiative aims to promote cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and organ-on-a-chip systems as safe alternatives to animal testing.

Timetable

For the first time, the roadmap specifies concrete deadlines for eliminating animal experiments:

• By the end of 2026: Stop animal testing for skin and eye irritation in new drug development.
• By 2027: Eliminate mouse testing for botulinum toxin toxicity, mandating DNA-based methods to screen for pharmaceutical contamination.
• By 2030: Gradually reduce in vivo metabolic tracking experiments in dogs and non-human primates.

Emerging Alternative Technologies

Three advanced technologies are now being prioritized for adoption:

1. Organ-on-a-chip systems: These devices use human cells to mimic organ functions and have already replaced some animal testing in vaccine development.
2. AI-driven drug analysis: Leveraging big data to predict molecular safety and efficacy, significantly reducing reliance on animals for drug screening.
3. 3D bioprinted tissues: These could create highly realistic (over 90% accuracy) human tissue samples, such as skin and liver models.

Funding and Infrastructure

The government has pledged £60 million to establish a central hub integrating data, technology, and expertise to foster collaboration among researchers. A new regulatory body will also streamline approvals for alternative methods. Additionally, the Medical Research Council (MRC), Innovate UK, and the Wellcome Trust have jointly committed £15.9 million to advance promising "human-relevant in vitro models."

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Further Information

UK Gov.