Animal-free research methods
Animal experiments are often poor predictors of human responses to drugs and diseases. This can lead to wasted resources on ineffective treatments and can result in harm to humans. In recent years, there have been significant advances in alternative methods that can replace animal experiments. These methods are often more reliable, humane, and cost-effective than animal experiments.
Development of non-animal methods
With advances in cell culture in the mid/late 1980s, the first alternative methods began to appear. With the possibility of keeping single cells alive and functional for a while with the help of antibiotics and culture media and studying them in the test tube (in vitro), researchers were finally offered a method that did not require the use of live laboratory animals. In addition, a sensitized public began to doubt the usefulness of animal experiments and increasingly discussed ethical components. Animal welfare legislation also became visibly stricter and some researchers began to increasingly question in vivo experimentation.
Since then, and especially after the breakthrough of the production of induced pluripotent stem cells from human tissue cells starting in 2006, non-animal methods are rapidly developing: in vitro (in the test tube) models such as cell and tissue cultures, organoids (mini-organs), multi-organoids but also computer simulations (in silico).
Cell cultures
It is possible to grow most types of human and animal cells in a laboratory setting. Researchers have been able to cultivate cells into three-dimensional structures, including miniature human organs, which can be used to test new treatments in a more lifelike manner. Cell cultures have played a significant role in various scientific advancements related to illnesses such as cancer, sepsis, kidney disease, and AIDS. Additionally, they are frequently utilized in the development of drugs, vaccine production, and chemical safety testing.
Organs-on-a-chip
Researchers have used human cells to develop small but advanced devices referred to as «organs-on-chips». These devices can replace animals in studying biological processes, diseases, and drug metabolism. The organs-on-chips created thus far accurately imitate the functioning of the lung, heart, kidney, gut, and brain. The long-term objective is to utilize these chips to create a comprehensive «human-on-a-chip» model.
Computer (in silico) modelling
This is a type of computer simulation that uses mathematical models to predict how chemicals, drugs, or other substances will behave in the human body. By inputting data on the substance’s properties, as well as information about the human body, researchers can simulate how the substance will interact with different organs and systems.
Human tissues
The use of human tissue obtained from volunteers, whether healthy or diseased, provides a more relevant approach to the study of human biology and disease compared to animal testing. Human tissue can be procured from various surgeries, including biopsies, cosmetic surgeries, and transplants.
Volunteer studies
Sophisticated scanning machines and recording techniques have made it possible to safely study human volunteers. For example, brain imaging machines, which have the ability to see inside the brain, can be utilized to track the progress and treatment of brain diseases. By comparing with healthy volunteers, researchers can gain insight into the causes of these diseases. A novel approach, known as microdosing, can also be used to measure how small doses of potential new drugs function in the human body. In this approach, radio-labelled microdoses are administered to human volunteers and measured.