Non-Animal Research
19 Jul 2008
What are the alternatives to animal experiments?
Alternative research methods
At the start of the 21st Century, non-animal techniques have become the cutting edge of medical research. Animal experiments are being replaced by a range of alternative methods that frequently prove cheaper, quicker and more effective – as well as saving lives.
Cell culture
It is possible to obtain human cells and tissues from biopsies, post-mortems, placentas, or as waste from surgery, and grow them in the laboratory. Cell cultures are used in many medical fields, and have contributed enormously to our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and AIDS. Cell cultures are routinely used in vaccine production, toxicity testing, drug development and to diagnose disease.
It is important that human cells, rather than animal cells, are used for medical research, to avoid the problem of relating results from one species to another. To encourage the use of human tissue we have helped establish the UK Human Tissue Bank at Leicester. The Trust has funded research using human cells and tissues to replace animal experiments, into Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, rheumatism, cataracts, allergies, meningitis, and more.
Analytical technology
Technological advances are resulting in improved molecular methods for analysing and identifying new compounds and medicines. The Dr Hadwen Trust provided analytical equipment to researchers selecting new anti-cancer and anti-malaria drugs, based on their molecular interaction with DNA, as an alternative to selecting drugs by animal tests.
New methods of rapidly analysing DNA samples from humans have been developed and are now being used to understand the biochemistry and genetics underlying various illnesses, leading to better treatments. For example, the Dr Hadwen Trust has funded research into genes that predispose individuals to fibrosing lung disease, as an alternative to modelling the illness in animals such as genetically modified mice.
The latest laser technology (MALD-TOF-MS) combined with genetic analysis has been applied by a Trust researcher to identify infectious microbes without animal tests, as a humane alternative to old tests that relied on rabbits and guinea pigs.
Microorganisms
Tests with simple microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, yeasts and algae are being used as early indicators of chemicals likely to be harmful, and are frequently faster, cheaper and more humane than animal tests. Bacteria can be genetically manipulated to manufacture useful products previously obtained from animals, such as human insulin and monoclonal antibodies.
Computer models
Computers are increasingly being used to model the structure and actions of new drugs, and to predict their safety. Computer models of whole biological systems are now being developed with which ‘virtual’ experiments can be conducted, as alternatives to experiments on animals.
The Dr Hadwen Trust has helped develop various computer models, including a model of the human placenta and foetus which assisted the treatment of problems affecting unborn babies; and a model of the human jaw and teeth for dental research. These models are based on relevant human data and can be used to carry our simulated experiments, in place of experiments on animals. We have also supported work using mathematical modelling to improve cancer treatments, and to explore illnesses of ageing.
Population research
Studying diseases in human populations, and the effects of lifestyle, diet and occupation has already revealed a great deal about cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, and birth defects. Such information is vital to improving human health and providing clues to the causes of illnesses. The Dr Hadwen Trust funded part of a large population study into how foetal and infant growth influences the development of heart disease in later life, as an alternative to experiments on pregnant animals.
Volunteer studies
One of the best ways to conduct medical research is by studying the whole human being. New scanning and imaging techniques are making it increasingly possible to conduct safe and ethical studies of human volunteers, where previously animals had been used. Dr Hadwen Trust projects have made use of a variety of sophisticated imaging techniques to non-invasively investigate the intact human body. These include using a MEG scanner to study epileptic patients; investigating pain in patients with functional MRI; and developing a novel technique, TMS, to study the function of the human brain in healthy volunteers.