The Species Gap Between Animal Testing
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Animal testing has long been a cornerstone of biomedical and pharmaceutical research, yet its ethical justification and scientific reliability are increasingly questioned. This article examines the limitations of animal models and explores modern alternatives that offer more human-relevant outcomes. Statistical approaches, such as power analysis, demonstrate that far fewer animals are needed to achieve valid results, challenging the necessity of large-scale animal use. Advances in computational modelling, including physiologically based kinetic/dynamic simulations and in silico trials, provide predictive insights into drug behavior without sacrificing animal lives. Moreover, the high failure rate of pharmaceuticals transitioning from animal studies to human clinical trials underscores the species gap and reduced translational accuracy of conventional models. Regulatory developments, such as the FDA Modernisation Act 2.0, further validate the adoption of non-animal methods. While animal models can offer systemic insights, their confounding variables often hinder precise interpretation. The article concludes that the future of biomedical research lies in standardized, accessible, human-focused data systems that enable widespread adoption of computational and in vitro techniques, advancing both ethical responsibility and scientific precision.
Author: CHENG, Wan Kiu Winkey
Institution: City University of Hong Kong
Language: English
Subfield: Small Animals
Field: Veterinary
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7106582565
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