We applaud the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) decision to stop funding new research grant applications which only use animal testing.
The announcement, made by Acting NIH Deputy Director for Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives (DPCPSI), Dr. Nicole Kleinstreuer, also confirmed that all new NIH-funded projects must mention non-animal testing methods.
This move strongly aligns with elements included in the Humane and Existing Alternatives in Research and Testing Sciences (HEARTS) Act, which would require the agency to incentivize the use of non-animal methods.
The statement was made at the very first joint meeting of the NIH and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to discuss the prioritization of the replacement of animals in research and testing.
The agencies co-hosted a Workshop on Reducing Animal Testing, which drew overwhelming interest - even though in-person attendance was limited to current FDA and NIH staff.
As FDA Commissioner, Dr Marty Makary, noted in his opening remarks: “The number of spots filled up within hours. It was like a Taylor Swift concert, and I think it speaks to just how important this topic is, and how it resonates with everybody – an effort that’s meaningful, with a clear roadmap to reduce animal testing.”
Dr Kleinstreuer explained the DPCPSI vision for ensuring the replacement of animals in the long and short term: “I want really want to emphasize that we are not just investing in NAMS, we are creating the policy, infrastructure and partnerships that make that sustainable adoption possible, so that we are not just shutting down animal labs overnight, we are actually developing long-term solutions that ensure that there are not new animal labs that open up in their place.”
Cruelty Free International has long championed the HEARTS Act and advocated for many of the changes that the NIH is now pursuing. Our short video about the HEARTS Act can be seen on our YouTube channel.
We look forward to continuing to support these positive moves at the NIH and FDA.
📣 Take Action:
U.S. residents can help to keep building momentum to replace animal tests by asking their Representative to cosponsor the HEARTS Act