TPI and research
If the transition to animal-free innovation is to succeed, animal-free innovations or ‘New Approach Methodologies’ (NAMs) must become the standard for biomedical and safety research, with animal testing being the exception. This is why scientists are developing new animal-free models and using these in their research. Funding is also available to enable this.
New research models: humans as the starting point
With quality (research methods of which the results are more translatable to humans) and ethics (minimising the number of animals used in research) as key motivations, scientists are working to develop animal-free research models. These models focus on humans.
Different types of animal-free models
We can distinguish various types of animal-free innovations, including in vitro studies using human cells and in silico models (using computers) based on human data. Researchers also often use a combination of these methods.
- Using human 3D brain models to tackle genetic brain disorders
Dr Ronald Buijsen, a Senior Researcher specialising in human genetics, RNA therapy and 3D brain models. Together with his team, he recently developed a technology to study so-called 3D brain models using patient cells. This offers a wealth of opportunities for improved predictions, smarter treatment options and animal-free and more effective therapies. - Computer models for toxicological research into chemicals
How can we ? Toxicologist Nynke Kramer, together with Wageningen University and Research Toxicology Department colleagues, has discovered promising computer models that simulate the movement of chemicals through the body for making an accurate prediction of each new chemical’s critical and safe dose for humans.
Funding options as an incentive
Funding is needed to enable the development and use of existing animal-free models. The TPI partners, as well as other parties, are organising grant rounds for this. They often do this in the form of a competition. For instance, ZonMw (Health Research and Medical Sciences) offers the More Knowledge with Fewer Animals programme and the Association of Health Funds (SGF, Samenwerkende Gezondheidsfondsen) and partners have grant rounds for Human Measurement Models.
See the following grant calendars for the options:
There are also funding options within the European Union in collaboration with organisations in other countries: