The
US Environmental Protection Agency will phase out animal testing of chemical
products by 2035, in favour of computer-based and in vitro tissue models.
As
part of efforts to “aggressively peruse a reduction in animal testing”, the
agency will reduce requests for and funding of mammal studies by 30% by 2025.
Any mammal studies requested or funded by EPA after 2035 will require
administrator approval on a case-by-case basis, it said.
“Through
scientific innovation and strategic partnerships, we can protect human health
and the environment by using cutting-edge, ethically sound science in our
decision-making that efficiently and cost-effectively evaluates potential
effects without animal testing.
The
EPA is also awarding $4.25 million to five US universities for R&D into
alternative test methods.
Kristie
Sullivan at Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine said: “This measure
will mean a safer environment as well as scientific methods that are
technically better and more humane.
“We
have been pleased to see the progress EPA has made to adopt newer and better
test methods, and we are excited to witness the agency making a commitment to
move more fully towards non-animal tests that will better protect human health
and the environment.”
Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle, Pharmaceutical Microbiology
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