Talk: "Animal-free drug testing –a vision or already reality ?"

On the 13th of June 2026 at the R3FINE conference at the Medipol University in Istanbul, Turkiye, Winfried Neuhaus was invited to give a talk on "Animal-free drug testing –a vision or already reality ?". He provided an overview about the implementation of NAMs into the drug development pipeline, the current developments in the 3Rs and NAMs field including several policy initiatives and the COST Action IMPROVE.

Abstract: Animal-free drug testing is increasingly transitioning from an aspirational concept to an emerging component of regulatory science and pharmaceutical development. This presentation examines the current scientific and regulatory status of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) within the broader framework of the 3R principles – Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement – and evaluates whether a paradigm shift is already underway. Recent advances in human-relevant in vitro systems, including organoids, microphysiological systems (organ-on-chip platforms), induced pluripotent stem cell technologies, and advanced 3D tissue models, have enabled the generation of mechanistically informed and human-centered data. These approaches are increasingly combined with computational modeling, physiologically based pharmacokinetic simulations, artificial intelligence, and omics technologies to improve predictivity and translational relevance. Regulatory integration of NAMs is being accelerated through international initiatives such as OECD Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment (IATA), activities coordinated by ICCVAM and the FDA in the United States, and validation efforts led by EURL ECVAM in Europe.
Particular attention is given to the role of European 3R centers coordinated through EU3Rnet, which facilitate knowledge exchange, training, and strategic alignment across member states. In addition, collaborative frameworks such as the COST Action IMPROVE and COST Action TEATIME are strengthening interdisciplinary cooperation, promoting standardization, and advancing translational implementation of NAMs.
Although challenges remain in validation, regulatory acceptance, and systemic integration, substantial progress has been achieved. Animal-free drug testing can therefore no longer be regarded merely as a vision, but rather as a developing reality within defined contexts of use.

The main congress homepage could be found via following link: r3fine.org

The abstract band could be found via following link: R3FINE_2026.pdf

The main program could be found via following link: R3FINE-090626-program.pdf