Advanced Non-animal Models in Biomedical Research: A new JRC models’ collection

Nowadays, a relevant percentage of drug programmes fail to progress due to a lack of efficacy or unexplained toxicity. There are several factors underpinning this failure, and the use of animals to model human diseases is coming under scrutiny. Therefore, EURL ECVAM launched a series of studies on available and emerging non-animal models in seven areas: respiratory diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, breast cancer, immune-oncology, autoimmunity, cardiovascular diseases, and immunogenicity of advanced medicinal products. The selection is based on disease incidence and prevalence, and amount of animal procedures conducted. The lecture describes both well-established approaches and the ones under development, collecting in vitro and in silico techniques, or ex vivo methods. Researchers will use the knowledge base to identify models useful to tackle their specific questions. Educators could provide the latest information on the state-of-the-art to their students while funding bodies can consider trends, and target areas for investment. Furthermore, the knowledge base will be of use to Competent Authorities, to support the process of project evaluation.