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UK Pledges to End Animal Testing by 2030 with Cutting-Edge Alternatives
11 Nov
Summary
- UK government announces plan to eliminate animal testing
- New technologies like organ-on-a-chip and 3D-printed tissues to replace animals
- £75 million in funding to support the transition away from animal research
On November 11, 2025, the UK government announced an ambitious plan to eliminate the use of animals in scientific research by 2030. This marks a significant shift away from the long-standing practice of using millions of creatures, including rats, birds, fish, and mice, to assess the safety of chemicals, medicines, and cosmetic products.
The latest figures show that 2.64 million animal tests were carried out in the UK last year, with 31% of these procedures causing moderate to severe pain and suffering. However, the government has now declared that animal testing should only ever be a "last resort," with a focus on developing and implementing validated alternatives.
The strategy, backed by £75 million in funding, will enable researchers to "pivot" to innovative technologies such as organ-on-a-chip systems, artificial intelligence, and 3D-printed tissues. These futuristic methods will allow scientists to test the effects of new drugs and substances on realistic human models without causing harm to animals.
