UK government launches £75-million plan to phase out animal testing

The UK government on Tuesday unveiled a £75-million (USD 98 million) strategy aimed at phasing out animal testing in scientific research, replacing it with advanced alternative technologies.

Science Minister Patrick Vallance presented the roadmap, which seeks to reduce and ultimately eliminate the use of animals in research and safety testing, while maintaining rigorous standards for human health and environmental protection.

In a statement, the government said the strategy would “support work to end animal testing wherever possible and roll out alternatives as soon as it is safe and effective to do so.”

The plan sets firm deadlines for key milestones. Regulatory animal testing for skin and eye irritation and skin sensitization is expected to end by the close of 2026. By 2027, mouse-based tests for measuring Botox potency will be replaced with DNA-based methods, and by 2030, studies on dogs and non-human primates tracking drug movement in the body will be significantly reduced.

The government highlighted emerging technologies such as organ-on-a-chip systems, AI-driven safety prediction, and 3D bioprinted tissues, which it said will provide “lifelike environments for studying human biology” and generate more reliable data for medicines and chemicals.

“By harnessing our scientific excellence, we can deliver real benefits for animal welfare while advancing innovative research that improves lives,” said Animal Welfare Minister Sue Hayman.

A new committee, chaired by Vallance, will oversee the strategy, with key performance indicators scheduled for publication next year. The initiative also includes training for early-career researchers, research priority lists, and aims to strengthen the UK’s global leadership in regulating non-animal methods.

“This is a roadmap which will ensure government, businesses, and animal welfare groups can work together to find alternatives to animal testing faster and more effectively,” Vallance added.