Overview
- Ministers set near‑term targets to end regulatory animal tests for skin and eye irritation and skin sensitisation by the end of 2026.
- By 2027, mouse Botox potency assays are to be replaced and adventitious agent testing for medicines is to shift to DNA‑based lab methods.
- Use of dogs and non‑human primates in pharmacokinetic studies is slated for reduction by 2030 rather than immediate elimination.
- Funding includes £60 million for a new data and innovation hub plus £15.9 million from MRC, Innovate UK and Wellcome for human in vitro models across liver, brain, cancer, pain and blood vessels.
- The plan establishes a committee chaired by Lord Vallance, introduces researcher training in non‑animal methods from 2026, confirms no new licences for the Forced Swim Test, and draws praise from welfare groups alongside cautions from scientists and industry about validation and regulatory acceptance.