Canada Lags in Funding Alternatives to Animal Testing Compared to Other Nations

Technologies Organ-on-a-chip technologies, along with in-vitro methods and AI computational models, are being developed globally to support biomedical research. Alternatives involve selecting optimal technologies to address human biology questions.

Implications Animal testing has historically served as a standard for studying human diseases and ensuring safety of drugs, vaccines, and consumer products.

In Canada, the absence of a biomedical testing plan may affect participation in this market, while researchers seek regulatory validation for new methods. Stakeholders include researchers, funding agencies, and regulators.

Affected parties encompass the scientific community, animal welfare groups, and the pharmaceutical industry. Next steps involve demonstrating the efficacy of alternatives to regulators and securing government funding to sustain development.