Atla-Alternatives To Laboratory Animals最新文献

One Welfare is an emerging concept that seeks to integrate the welfare of animals, humans and the environment. This systematic review examines the role of laboratory animal veterinarians in promoting One Welfare within the context of animal use for scientific research. By analysing 65 publications, we explored the diverse roles of laboratory animal veterinarians in advancing animal welfare, supporting human health and promoting environmental sustainability. The reviewed literature described veterinarians' involvement in areas such as animal welfare oversight, implementation of the Three Rs principles, regulatory compliance and ethical review processes. Several themes emerged that are related to the One Welfare framework, namely: veterinary oversight, welfare assessment and implementation, emotional wellbeing, professional support, and contribution to education and training. The literature highlights the potential need for specialised training in laboratory animal medicine, and outlines the challenges veterinarians encounter regarding ethical considerations and cognitive dissonance in research environments. Based on the identified gaps, we propose measures to reinforce the principles of One Welfare, including interdisciplinary collaboration and the adoption of strategies to safeguard the environment (e.g. the use of composting for minimally-infectious waste and digesters for high-impact waste). Additionally, we recommend establishing institutional sustainability committees to oversee governance and resource management across research institutions.

Recent global initiatives are accelerating the shift toward human-centric approaches, reducing reliance on animal models in preclinical research and other domains. In this changing landscape, objectively evaluating the scientific relevance and merit of research involving animal models, and assessing their translational relevance is increasingly critical. Over the past decade, several tools have been developed to assess translational relevance, accuracy/appropriateness and efficacy of preclinical animal models, evaluate risk-of-bias in preclinical research, support harm-benefit analyses, and facilitate the adoption of non-animal replacement strategies. However, the uptake of such tools remains limited. To address this, a Biomedical Research for the 21st Century (BioMed21) Collaboration workshop on 'Evaluating translational value of animal models in preclinical research - Tools, challenges, and strategies', was convened by Humane World for Animals (30 June-1 July 2025). The event brought together tool developers and diverse global interest-holders to review current assessment tools, discuss their strengths, complementarity, limitations and feasibility, and explore opportunities for cross-sector collaboration. This paper summarises key outcomes of these presentations and discussions, highlighting knowledge gaps and barriers to the adoption of these tools and frameworks by researchers, funders and regulators. Strategies to raise awareness and promote the use of the tools and frameworks, to better inform funding decisions, regulatory approval and the appraisal of preclinical research, are also proposed.

Toxicological profiling is a critical component of the regulatory process required to inform the hazard characterisation and labelling of chemicals, thus guiding their safe handling and use. Skin irritation is a key endpoint for regulatory registrations, traditionally assessed by using the Draize rabbit test, which was introduced in 1944. Advances in New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), and particularly those based on reconstructed skin models, have led to more human-relevant alternatives, as compared to the in vivo test method. Here, we report on some groundbreaking high-throughput adaptations to the validated in vitro Skin Irritation Test (SIT; OECD TG 439) with the commercially available EpiDerm™ reconstructed human epidermis (RhE) model from MatTek Corporation. These minor adaptations enabled the safety evaluation of over 3000 chemicals in just ten months. This was necessary due to the large number of chemicals that needed to be pre-screened for dermal safety, after the insect repellent or insecticidal activity was predicted and assessed. The data obtained in the SIT were then used to train a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool, designed to predict the skin irritation potential of large libraries of molecules within (but not limited to) the chemical space which the AI tool is based upon. Our work exemplifies the integration of AI with existing non-animal-based approaches, in order to further develop chemical safety assessment by taking advantage of this new technology.

Assessment of the Culture of Care (CoC) within an institution is essential in understanding the gaps in current CoC practices and highlighting what needs to be further improved. As the first responders in laboratory animal facilities, laboratory animal care staff (i.e. laboratory animal technicians and laboratory animal attendants) play a key role in establishing and sustaining a CoC. We employed the previously introduced Capability Maturity Model (CMM) to assess the CoC among Sri Lankan laboratory animal facility staff. A questionnaire-based survey was distributed, in order to assess the current state of a particular facility's CoC, based on the CMM. The survey also included questions to help identify the challenges faced by staff and evaluate the impact of Laboratory Animal Science education and training on improving the CoC. To identify further issues, a roundtable discussion involving a number of laboratory animal care staff was also conducted. This study revealed that most Sri Lankan laboratory animal facilities are currently at Level 1 of the CMM, with some showing early signs of transitioning to Level 2. Lack of management commitment and insufficiency of funds were identified as the key challenges. Lack of knowledge and training, and inadequate understanding and co-operation between co-workers and also with researchers, were stated as additional issues during the roundtable discussion. Thus, we urge training providers, such as the Sri Lanka Association for Laboratory Animal Science (SLALAS), to conduct more targeted training programmes, focusing on good CoC practices, laboratory animal welfare standards and ethical decision-making.

Real progress has been made towards replacing animals for risk assessment purposes, particularly given the recent announcement of comprehensive roadmaps by regulatory agencies. However, given the vast number of animals that continue to be used for biomedical purposes, perhaps now is the time to place greater emphasis on replacing animals in biomedical research. Scientific journals have a key role to play in encouraging the uptake of new approach methodologies and providing a supportive environment for a cultural shift to humane, sustainable Three Rs-based science.