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Milestones towards animal-free innovations

The Netherlands aims to become a driving force in accelerating the transition involving biomedical research and clinical drug trials without using animals. The (partners in the) Transition Programme towards Innovation without the use of laboratory animals have a slogan that says it all: Better predictions without the use of animals. The timeline provides an overview of the developments required in order to achieve that aim.

1. Safeguarding the welfare of laboratory animals

   1. 1959Introduction of the principles of the 3Rs: Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal experiments

      Scientists William Russell and Rex Burch introduce the principle of the 3Rs. This inspires developments in the area of reduction and refinement, as well as replacement of animal experiments (or alternatives to animal use) across the globe. In 1977, the Netherlands, using the 3Rs as a basis, introduces the Experiments on Animals Act (Wet op de dierproeven) (Wod).

      The 3 Rs stand for:

      1. Replacement: Replace animal experimentation with a method that does not involve live animals;
      2. Reduction: Use no more laboratory animals than is necessary;
      3. Refinement: Avoid pain or distress in laboratory animals as far as possible.

      Welfare of laboratory animals

      The 3Rs improve the welfare of laboratory animals. They also promote the development of alternatives to animal testing. In the Netherlands, the 3Rs are laid down in Section 1d of the Experiments on Animals Act (in Dutch).

      Russell and Burch describe 'The Three Rs’ in the study entitled The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique' (November 1958).

   2. 1977The Experiments on Animals Act (Wod) regulates the careful use of laboratory animals based on the principles of the 3Rs.

      The Experiments on Animals Act is the first Act in the Netherlands to contain rules on the use of laboratory animals. The 3Rs play an important part in it: replace, reduce and refine the use of laboratory animals.

      Protection of laboratory animals

      The Experiments on Animals Act (in Dutch) protects laboratory animals. For instance, experiments using live animals are now permitted only where there is no alternative. Experiments that cause serious pain, fear, suffering or lasting injury to animals are prohibited. Where it is necessary to use live animals, pain, suffering, fear and lasting injury must be avoided or kept to a minimum. In addition, where possible, experiments on animals must take place under general or local anaesthesia.

   3. 1987The Alternatives to Animal Testing Platform (PAD) encourages research into alternatives based on the 3Rs

      The PAD coordinates and promotes research into 3R alternatives to animal testing, including through the use of grants. Within this platform, civic organisations, research institutions, the government and the business community work together on solutions.

      The PAD has the following three tasks:

      1. To promote research;
      2. To advise the relevant ministers;
      3. To promote policy for alternatives.

      PAD advisory body

      In 1997, the PAD becomes an advisory body. It is joined by a representative from the scientific community. The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw) takes over the grant activities. ZonMw finances health research and promotes innovation in healthcare. The PAD advises the Minister of Welfare, Public Health and Culture (WVC) on the ZonMw programme entitled Limits to Animal Testing (Dierproeven Begrensd).

   4. 1997Act amending the Experiments on Animals Act: Animals have an intrinsic value, a value that is independent of their usefulness to humans

      Animals have an intrinsic value, a value in and of itself that is independent of its value or use to humans. The addition of this sentence to Section 1a of the Experiments on Animals Act (Wod) (in Dutch) is intended to strengthen the position of laboratory animals.

      Protect animals

      The government now clearly states that animals must be protected and not serve only as a tool for humans.

   5. 2000Limits to Animal Testing (Dierproeven Begrensd): a grant programme for 3R alternatives to animal testing

      The central government promotes the development of alternatives to animal testing. The suffering of animals which are still required for animal experiments must be kept to an absolute minimum. Scientists receive funds from the Dierproeven begrensd grant programme to enable those objectives to be achieved and alternatives to animal testing developed.

      Grants for research into alternatives to animal testing

      Between 2000 and 2011, on behalf of the central government, the research funder ZonMw provides grants for, among other things:

      • the development of the website humane-endpoints.info for the training of professionals who work with laboratory animals;
      • research into the efficacy and safety of vaccines which involves no or less animal testing;
      • the improvement of the housing, feeding and treatment of laboratory animals.

   6. 2008Government's View on Alternatives to Animal Testing: higher priority given to alternatives

      The government aims to reduce the number of animal experiments and sets up the National Knowledge Centre for Alternatives to Animal Use (NKCA). This centre provides training and shares knowledge on, among other things, alternatives to animal testing.

      Political agenda

      The publication of the government's view on Alternatives to Animal Testing (6 June 2008) (in Dutch) puts the subject higher on the political agenda. The organisational structure for the implementation of the policy is amended. The NKCA supports the Interministerial Working Group on Alternatives to Animal Testing (IWAD), and a stakeholder focus group contributes expertise from the business and scientific communities and society.

   7. 2009Scientific trend analysis: animal experiments are outdated

      Experimental research using animals is expensive, difficult to replicate and often complex. Those are the main conclusions from a study carried out by ZonMw on behalf of the central government.

      Advantages of alternative methods

      Animal experiments are no longer necessarily the best method ('gold standard’) for fundamental, applied and statutory research. Alternative methods have many advantages:

      • they can be replicated (are reproducible);
      • they better predict effects on humans;
      • they are ethically less contentious, and
      • are more cost effective, producing the same or better results at the same or lower cost.

      More effective direction

      This is stated in the Scientific Trend Analysis on Animal Procedures Report  (December 2009) (in Dutch) of Utrecht University. It is the first systematic analysis of developments regarding laboratory animals, animal testing and alternatives. The central government can use it to direct policy and funding for alternatives to animal testing more effectively. The Social Trend Analysis on Animal Testing is published simultaneously with this study.

   8. 2009Social trend analysis: scope for alternatives to animal testing

      Businesses and researchers continue to use animal experiments. Only external pressure can change this. Those are the main conclusions of a study conducted by the Athena Institute and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam).

      Reasons for using animal experiments

      Scientists, industry and bodies that assess medicinal products continue to favour animal testing over alternatives. Some of the reasons for this are listed below, for each of the above categories:

      • Industry: a product tested using alternative methods will take longer to receive marketing authorisation;
      • Assessors: the evaluation of alternative methods is often more expensive;
      • Scientists: there insufficient funding for research into alternatives. Added to this is the fact that scientific journals are less likely to accept publications about alternative testing methods.

      New technologies

      Promising technologies which could replace animal experiments in the future include

      • micro-dosing: testing small amounts of a drug directly on humans;
      • micro-array: automated analysis to identify genetic material on a chip.

      Public debate, media attention or government rules can also result in new developments. This is mentioned in the two parts of the Social Trend Analysis on Animal Testing study (2009):

      • Part A : which covers the data, social trends and public debate;
      • Part B : which explains the trend analysis mode and provides background information.

   9. 2010Business Case for Alternatives to Animal Testing

      The number of animal procedures could be reduced to 40% by 2025 if the government invests more in alternative methods, as a study conducted by research funder ZonMw shows.

      Three scenarios

      This report indicates that there are three potential scenarios that could be enacted by 2025. They depend on how much money the central government invests:

      1. Status quo

      Investment level remains the same: nothing in the educational environment in which animals are used will change. In this scenario, the use of animals will decrease by less than 1%.

      2. Linear

      More investments, which will be accompanied by, among other things, new research methods and changes in the learning programme within biomedical education. This will result in a 25% decrease in the number of animals used and less distress caused to the animals that are still required. According to the report, research costs will also fall.

      3. Exponential

      Rising levels of investment, which will be accompanied by training courses on new research methodologies for employees of universities, the government, regulatory bodies and the business community. The report states that this will result in a decrease of at least 40% in the number of animals used.

      Read more in the Business Case for Alternatives to Animal Testing: ‘More Knowledge with Fewer Animals' (Meer Kennis met Minder Dieren), (16 November 2010) (in Dutch) produced by ZonMw.

   10. 2010 - 2011Planning study for Alternatives to Animal Testing

       There is room for improvement in the Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (3Rs) of animal experiments. One way for such improvement to be brought about would be to arrange closer cooperation between the central government and the bodies that authorise drugs, for example, with the developers of 3R methods. This chain-based approach for alternatives to animal testing is one of the recommendations in a study conducted by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).

       Promising areas for the 3R

       RIVM also indicates a number of areas where the promotion of 3R methods would be likely to succeed. Examples include research into:

       • cancer and other diseases;
       • medicines;
       • harmful substances.

       This is set out in the two parts of RIVM's Planning study for Alternatives to Animal Testing:

       • Part 1 (2010) (in Dutch): which includes the chain-based approach for 3R methods;
       • Part 2  (2011) (in Dutch): which includes details of areas of research that are promising in terms of the 3Rs.

   11. 2011Central Government Action Plan for reducing the number of animal experiments

       The number of animal experiments can be reduced further. The central government describes the approach to be used for this in the Action Plan for reducing the number of animal experiments.

       Activities

       The action plan names various activities that can be used to reduce the use of animal experiments. They include:

       Education

       Trainee research assistants could include additional supporting information in their theses showing why a particular animal experiment cannot be dispensed with. They should also specify what they have done to replace, reduce or refine the experiment.

       Research

       Systematic literature reviews could enable scientists to produce a very comprehensive inventory of the research already conducted (including any animal experiments) in their areas before starting a new research project. This would avoid any unnecessary use of animals, and identify possible alternatives and the best model to use for the research topic.

       Sharing knowledge

       Representatives from the scientific community, policy and industry, among others, will share their knowledge in what are known as round-table discussions. This should lead to a reduction in animal experiments.

       Read more in the 2011-2021 Animal Experiments and Alternatives Action Plan  (in Dutch) of 30 December 2011.

   12. 2011More Knowledge with Fewer Animals (MKMD) grant programme

       Funds for the development of new methods for research without the use of animals and for the improvement of existing methods. This is provided by the MKMD set up by ZonMw, which funds the programme.

       Better health and healthcare

       The ultimate goal of the MKMD programme is better research into human health and healthcare. The programme comprises several modules. Each has its own objectives, framework conditions, cooperation partners (where applicable) and grant rounds.

       Read more about the MKMD programme on the ZonMw website. 

   13. 2014Analysis of the Business Case for Alternatives to Animal Testing

       It is possible to reduce the number of laboratory animals used. However, the impact of investments made to that end will not be seen until after 2025, as a follow-up study carried out by the Technopolis Group consultancy agency shows.

       Technopolis calculated the impact based on the ZonMw's Business Case for Alternatives to Animal Testing (16 November 2010) (in Dutch). Below are some of its conclusions:

       • The 2010 business case overestimated the decrease in the number of animal experiments.
       • The impact of investments will not be seen until after 2025, and it will not be until then that it will be possible to make optimum use of the methods.
       • It would therefore appear that it will not be possible to reduce the number of animal experiments until after 2025.
       • International acceptance of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal experiments) by colleagues and in rules is uncertain.
       • The investments set out in the business case may accelerate the reduction in the number of animal experiments if the government uses the funds in an effective, coordinated and focused manner.

       Read more in the Analysis of the Business Case for Alternatives to Animal Testing (10 July 2014) (in Dutch).

   14. 2014Revision of the Experiments on Animals Act: Transposition of the European Directive into the Experiments on Animals Act

       From now on, you may use animals for scientific research only when there is no alternative. The central government introduces this EU Directive in the Netherlands with the amended and revised Experiments on Animals Act.

       The Experiments on Animals Act provides greater protection for laboratory animals

       It contains rules which go further than the Directive. The 3Rs play an important part in it:

       1. Replacement: Replace animal experimentation with a method that does not involve live animals;
       2. Reduction: Use no more laboratory animals than is necessary;
       3. Refinement: Avoid pain or distress in laboratory animals as far as possible.

       With the enforcement of these rules, the Netherlands also protects the welfare of laboratory animals to a high level.

       Read more about the amendment in the Animal Experiments Decree 2014 (Dierproevenbesluit 2014) and the Experiments on Animals Act in effect from 1 July 2021 (both in Dutch).

   15. 2014Systematic literature reviews: better science will spare laboratory animals

       Thorough searches of, among other literature, scientific publications (systematic reviews) could reduce the number of animal experiments, according to a report produced by the Tabula Rasa research agency.

       Embed in education

       There remains a lack of emphasis on systematic reviews in medical and biomedical training programmes. Students must therefore learn to carry out systematic literature reviews before starting a new research project. This will avoid the unnecessary use of animal experiments. The report also recommends that literature reviews should be a component of government-funded research.

       Read more about Tabula Rasa's recommendations in the report entitled Systematic Reviews in the area of animal experiments  (in Dutch) of January 2014.

2. Move towards animal-free innovation

   1. 2015Literature reviews make for better science

      Thorough searches of earlier publications (systematic reviews) may help bring about better science. Researchers will also be less inclined to opt for the use of laboratory animals. This is borne out in a survey conducted by the Tabula Rasa research agency.

      More information and help

      More than half of those participating in the survey indicate that they would like more information and help. Employees who have not yet obtained their doctorates, in particular, need skills training in order to be able to carry out systematic reviews on their own.

      Lack of time and knowledge

      Researchers give various reasons for not carrying out literature reviews:

      • insufficient time or priority;
      • insufficient knowledge to search the literature concerned;
      • terms of reference where literature reviews would serve no useful purpose.

      Read more in the survey entitled Systematic reviews for animal studies in education and research at Dutch universities and university medical centres  (March 2015) (in Dutch).

   2. 2015Advisory report entitled 'In Transition' (In Transitie!): increase the pace of animal-free innovation

      The central government can increase the pace of the transition to animal-free research. This will require a change in the way we think, act and organise. This is stated in a report by the Think Tank on Supplementary Financing for Alternatives to Animal Testing.

      Recommendations in the report

      Below are some of the recommendations set out in the report:

      • Publish negative research results as well: this will spare laboratory animals in new research projects;
      • prepare a list of animal-free research to highlight inspiring examples;
      • start a fund that will support the development of alternatives to animal testing;
      • start a network for pioneers in animal-free innovation.

      Read more in the report entitled In transition! (October 2015) (in Dutch).

   3. 2016Advisory report: phase out animal experiments where possible and promote innovations without animals

      The central government could replace some of the regulatory safety testing involving animals of medicines and chemicals, for example, by 2025. This is the conclusion of The Netherlands National Committee for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes (Nationaal Comité dierproevenbeleid (NCad)) in an opinion produced for the government.

      Use of new technologies

      Animal testing remains mandatory According to the NCad, new technologies could in time replace animal testing. Examples include cells-on-a-chip that simulate a liver, or computer models that can predict the effect of particular substances.

      The Netherlands as the driving force

      The Netherlands could be the international driving force in innovations without laboratory animals by 2025. According to the NCad, ways in which this could be achieved include:

      • reducing the number of animals used in biomedical and veterinary education;
      • providing education and training in alternative methods for scientists;
      • replacing animal testing with research using human cellular and other material.

      According to the NCad, the central government is the only party that can manage the process.

      Read more in the NCad's opinion entitled Transition to animal-free research (Transitie naar proefdiervrij onderzoek) (December 2016) (in Dutch).

   4. 2016Letter to parliament: The Netherlands aims to become the driving force in the transition to animal-free innovation

      The Netherlands must be world leader in accelerating the transition to animal-free research methods by 2025. That is what Martijn van Dam (Economic Affairs) says in a letter to Parliament.

      Alternatives to animal testing

      The central government will promote the development of alternatives to animal testing using, for example:

      • RIVM's milestone plan: with specific targets to reduce the number of laboratory animals;
      • a network of animal-free Innovation Pioneers: which will be used by leading scientists, innovative businesses and civic organisations to exchange knowledge about alternatives to animal testing.

      Read more in the letter to parliament concerning Animal Experiments (15 December 2016) (in Dutch).

   5. 2017Round table discussion with Parliament on the subject of animal-free innovation

      The Dutch government must take significant steps to ensure that our country becomes the frontrunner when it comes to animal-free innovation. This is one of the conclusions from a round table discussion between stakeholders and Parliament.

      Animal-free innovation

      Various parties inform Parliament regarding the areas where animal-free innovation will or will not be possible. The discussions are divided into four blocks:

      1. The importance of animal-free methods and the position as regards animal-free technologies. Examples include computer simulations or the use of human tissue.
      2. How non-governmental organisations (NGOs) cooperate and contribute to the transition to animal-free research.
      3. Recommendations on the development of animal-free innovations and how they can be introduced.
      4. The usefulness of animal testing in reducing health risks, and how such tests could be replaced.

      Read more in the position papers for the Development of Animal-Free Research Methods round table discussion (14 September 2017) (in Dutch).

   6. 2018Plan: Safety testing of chemicals without animal experiments

      Determine, without animal testing, whether chemicals and drugs are safe for humans. To that end, the RIVM research institution prepared a roadmap for its work for the central government.

      Assess safety without using laboratory animals

      According to RIVM, this will require:

      • consciousness-raising: for example, with regard to when a substance is safe and how it can be tested without using animals;
      • laws and rules permitting animal-free safety assessments
      • safety assessments that are based on the biology of the human or the target animal;
      • list of animal-free innovations: examples include computer models, cultured cells and the measuring of substances in urine, blood or hair (biomonitoring)
      • information portal and network organisations: for the development and implementation of animal-free innovations at regional, national and international levels.

      Read more about the Roadmap for animal-free innovations in regulatory safety assessment  (PIRV) (March 2018) or in the Agenda proefdiervrije innovaties in het regulatoire veld (in Dutch).

3. Launch of TPI

   1. 2018Launch of the Transition Programme for Innovation without the use of animals (TPI)

      The central government intends to increase the pace of animal-free innovation. Various public authorities, scientific organisations and civic organisations will work together to make that intention a reality within the TPI partnership programme. The partners' ambition is to ensure that the Netherlands becomes the driving force in the international transition.

      Networks for new ideas

      The TPI will ask scientists and other experts to come up with ideas for animal-free innovations and try them out within innovation networks. This will include:

      • creating rules for the safety of animal-free methods;
      • discussing the needs of businesses: identifying the challenges they will face when marketing their animal-free innovations;
      • making animal-free innovation and the importance thereof more understandable to the public.

      Read more about the Transition to Animal-Free Innovations: Philosophy and Method (Proefdiervrije Innovatie, Filosofie en werkwijze) (4 June 2018) (in Dutch).

      Reasons for the TPI

      Some of the reasons mentioned by the government for the partnership programme:

      • ethical and social concern regarding the welfare of laboratory animals;

      • limited predictive value of animal experiments;

      • opportunities for animal-free innovations, such as marketing drugs faster and for less money.

      Read more in the letter to parliament concerning the Transition Programme for Innovation without the use of animals (TPI) (1 June 2018) (in Dutch).

   2. 2018'Helpathon' for reformulating research proposals with animal-free methods

      How can animal-free methods help to combat human diseases? That is the central question in the first TPI Helpathon held in November 2018 at the Netherlands Burns Foundation (Nederlandse Brandwonden Stichting).

      Burn in a test tube

      How can burns and the circulation of blood in the area surrounding a wound be examined without the use of animals? Burns researchers, Amsterdam UMC, healthcare professionals and pharmaceutical company Pharming devised a solution that involves burns being simulated on human skin in a test tube and examined.

      Creative solutions

      During a ‘Helpathon’, teams think up creative solutions for a single central question raised by someone planning to conduct animal-free research. The events are derived from 'hackathons', the purpose of which is to develop software or hardware in a short time. 'Helpathon' is a portmanteau derived from the words 'help' and 'marathon'. In the meantime, ‘Helpathon’ has become a term in its own right, and several have been held successfully.

      Read more about the results of this and other Helpathons.

   3. 2019Open space meeting: animal-free innovations throughout the entire chain

      Over 100 professionals put on the agenda and discuss ideas for the promotion or assessment of research and testing methods without the use of animals. That is the purpose of the first wide-ranging network event regarding the Transition Programme for Innovation without the use of animals (TPI) on 11 March 2019 at the LUMC in Leiden.

      Creative solutions

      It is attended by representatives from the entire chain, including scientists, policymakers, research funders, and representatives of business and civic organisations. They meet up in what is known as an 'open space'. This is a form of discussion where each participant can put items for discussion on the agenda and share insights. Spontaneity and chance often lead to creative solutions or new partnerships, something that will often happen during a coffee break.

      Watch the video impression of the TPI Open Space in Leiden.

   4. 2019Start Amsterdam TPI local network

      Biomedical Scientists from the knowledge centers in Amsterdam, including Amsterdam UMC, the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the University of Amsterdam and Academic Center for Dentistry (ACTA) meet to discuss what was happening already in Amsterdam regarding animal free innovations and to make a “Plan of Action”

      Theme groups

      Action points are divided into Theme groups such as Education, Symposia and Networking, Organoid models, Transparency in Animal Research in Amsterdam, Funding Acquisition and Societal Impact.

      2024: Amsterdam 4Rs Centre

      In February 2024 TPI Amsterdam becomes part of the new Amsterdam 4Rs Centre.  Aim is to contribute to the transition to animal-free research by conducting high-quality research with attention to 4Rs (Reduction, Replacement, Refinement of animal experiments and Reproducibility of animal free methods).

      Read more about the Amsterdam 4Rs center and Amsterdam TPI (in Dutch)

   5. 2019Taking stock: Laboratory animals remain important for brain research

      At present, brain research cannot be carried out without the use of laboratory animals. This is the conclusion of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) based on an inventory prepared by its members.

      Mix of methods and technologies

      Innovative methods for neuroscience research are also discussed in the inventory. The KNAW concludes that animal-free methods and technologies may develop further over the next 10 years. However, animal-free research alone will be unable to answer the key research questions. They will continue to require research involving a mix of methods and technologies.

      Read more about KNAW publications in:

      • Inventory: 'The importance of animal testing and how it can be curtailed in basic neuroscience research' (Inventarisatie 'Het belang van dierproeven en mogelijkheden tot vermindering daarvan in fundamenteel-neurowetenschappelijk onderzoek’) (19 July 2019) (in Dutch);
      • Excellent brain research involving fewer animal experiments (Excellent hersenonderzoek met minder dierproeven) (19 July 2019) (in Dutch).

   6. 2019Top Sector Covenant: invest in longer and healthier lives

      By 2040, all Dutch people will live at least five years longer, in good health. To this end, the central government is promoting, among other things, innovations in the top sector for Life Science & Health.

      Research into chronic diseases

      Research into chronic diseases and dementia will also be important here. As yet, there is no cure for dementia. Research using laboratory animals does not appear to be a good predictor of successful treatment in people. That is why it is important that research is conducted based on other technologies, including with the use of human cells or tissue (human measurement models).

      Read more about the government's health targets in the Knowledge and Innovation Covenant 2020-2023 (KIC) (15 November 2019) (in Dutch).

   7. 2019Leaflet: Milestone plan for target visions on animal-free research in scientific fields

      Within five to ten years, as many animal experiments as possible will be replaced by research that does not involve the use of animals. This can be achieved by using the milestone plan of The Netherlands National Committee for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes (NCad). Researchers will use it to create a 'target vision' for their field, stating how they intend to go about achieving it and what is feasible on the basis of current knowledge.

      Stakeholder consultations

      Scientists will consult other stakeholders when preparing their target visions. They include:

      • patient organisations
      • organisations representing the interests of animals
      • transition experts

      Preparing a target vision

      The target vision will include the following:

      • the goal and when it will be achieved;
      • the animal-free methods to be used;
      • the likelihood of those methods succeeding, and
      • the approach to and start of the project.

      Scientists have already started preparing target visions for cardiology, immunology and academic and post-academic research.

      Read more about target visions for animal-free research on the NCad site.

   8. 2019Guide to 26 start-ups which are working better and faster using animal-free methods

      What is animal-free innovation and how do you go about it? An English-language guide containing examples of 26 companies shows how this works in practice.

      The guide also contains articles about the context in which start-ups operate in the Netherlands. It turns out that it is essential that start-ups collaborate with larger companies if animal-free alternatives are to be developed.

      Read more in the TPI booklet entitled: 26x better and faster without the use of animals (22 November 2019).

   9. 2019International conference (pioneer2policymaker) on accelerating the transition to animal-free innovation

      Utrecht hosted 150 professionals from 16 countries in the period between 27 and 29 November 2019 for the international TPI conference (pioneer2policymaker). All those present had one goal in mind: to exchange knowledge and experience in order to quicken the pace of animal-free innovation. The TPI partners show the approach taken by the Netherlands to accelerate the transition.

      Prize for animal-free testing

      Remco Westerink receives the 2019 Willy van Heumenprijs during the conference. He is head of the Neurotoxicology research group at Utrecht University. He receives the prize for developing animal-free testing using human brain cells cultured on circuit boards. 

      Read more in the Takeaways of the International conference (pioneer2policymaker) on accelerating the transition to animal-free innovation.

   10. 2020Launch of the TPI Utrecht: animal-free innovation working group

       Scientists at the Utrecht Science Park work together to accelerate the transition to innovation without the use of animals. This takes place in the TPI Utrecht working group with leading researchers from biomedical and innovation sciences.

       Help Desk

       The working group helps researchers and lecturers, for example, with a help desk they can use to contact experts in animal-free research. Helpathons are also held, during which teams come up with creative solutions for a single central problem.

       TPI Utrecht

       The working group is called TPI Utrecht and it collaborates with the central government's Transition Programme for Innovation without the use of animals.

       Read more about TPI Utrecht on the web page Transition to Animal-free Innovations.

   11. 2020Launch of TPI.tv: video abstract exchange network for professionals

       Do you, as a professional, need help with animal-free research? Or do you in fact wish to share your knowledge about animal-free innovation? If so, TPI.tv is the place for you.

       Videos created for and by professionals

       Professionals can post videos on TPI.tv. They can involve colleagues from around the world who are seeking solutions for research that does not involve the use of animals in such videos. Examples include

       • scientists, including those from other fields;
       • safety assessors, and
       • businesses working an animal-free models and tests.

       Read more about the online exchange network TPI.tv.

   12. 2020-2021Launch: human measurement models research programme

       Better predictive health research that is less dependent on animal experiments. That is the objective of the Human Measurement Models research programme. A total in excess of €16 million was made available by research funders and TPI partners for the programme.

       Better research says more about people

       Research using human cells, tissues or computer models which are based on human data approximate the situation in humans better than animal experiments. For that reason, this programme supports alternatives to animal testing. They include:

       • eye-on-a-chip: gain a better understanding and test treatment of eye diseases by using cultured retinal cells of patients;
       • computer models: they can be used to better understand brain diseases;
       • measurement method that sheds light on the communication between the brain and organs such as the bladder in order to prevent incontinence.

       Read more:

       • Human Measurement Models, Association of Health Funds (SGF) (in Dutch);
       • Human Measurement Models Programme 2.0, Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO).

   13. 2020Webinar: A quantum leap in animal-free innovation has yet to come

       There are many technological innovations that can replace animal experiments. That said, the major revolution is yet to come. That will require breakthroughs in laws and regulations, education and ethics. That's according to the DRIFT research institute.

       The transition to animal-free innovation is currently in the phase of pre-development. DRIFT envisages two possible developments which could lead to the wider introduction and acceptance of alternatives:

       1. personalised healthcare: knowledge about human beings will form the basis of research for human beings. This will replace animal experiments as the 'gold standard'.
       2. safety assessments: research using humans or human cells is better than animal experiments at predicting the safety of drugs or chemicals. New guidelines based on knowledge about human beings will be required.

       Read more:

       • Exploring together promising transition paths towards animal-free innovation (Samen kansrijke transitiepaden inslaan naar proefdiervrije innovatie) (2 July 2020) (in Dutch);
       • Interview with Jan Rotmans of the Dutch Research Institute For Transitions.

   14. 2020Funds for animal-free research into the effects of the coronavirus

       Additional funding for animal-free research into the effects of the coronavirus. This will be provided by the researcher funder ZonMw and the Dutch Society for the Replacement of Animal Testing (Proefdiervrij)

       Five coronavirus research projects

       The funds will go to five coronavirus research projects:

       1. Amsterdam UMC: Does heparin inhalation have a preventive effect on blood clots? If so, healthcare staff, for example, would be able to use it to protect themselves in the event of infection.
       2. Sophia Children's Hospital (Sophia Kinderziekenhuis): it is culturing cells from human airways and blood vessels in order to study the study the emergence and course of viral infections such as COVID-19.
       3. UMC Utrecht: it is conducting studies using cells of donors to establish the effect of the coronavirus on the nose, lungs, intestines and kidneys.
       4. University of Twente: it is studying blood clots by using the blood plasma of patients in a model of mini blood vessels on a microchip.
       5. LUMC: it is conducting analyses to establish how human epithelial cells react to the virus and how that reaction causes lung damage.

       Read more:

       • Do not allow laboratory animals to suffocate (Laat proefdieren niet stikken): Five animal-free research projects on the coronavirus, Proefdiervrij.nl (in Dutch);
       • Animal-free innovations for better COVID-19 research, ZonMw (in Dutch).

   15. 2020Self-evaluation by TPI partners: Review of TPI 2018-2020

       The Netherlands is the international frontrunner when it comes to promoting animal-free innovation. This is stated in the self-evaluation of the Transition Programme for Innovation without the use of animals (TPI).

       The central government is set to direct the transition to animal-free procedures

       What is especially innovative is that the central government will be directing the transition. It is essential that partners from the entire chain are involved if the acceleration of and transition to animal-free research is to take place. The Dutch approach, which includes using the TPI partnership programme, is now also attracting the attention of foreign scientists and agencies.

       Three aspects of progress

       The progress made in the process leading towards animal-free innovation is measured in three ways:

       1. a growing network: more scientists, policymakers and business are sharing knowledge about animal-free methods and technologies;
       2. looking at research proposals differently: this is far less common for laboratory animal research;
       3. vision on alternatives to animal testing: they often predict better the effects in humans of, for example, medicines and chemicals.

       Read more:

       • Letter to parliament providing a review of the Transition Programme for Innovation without the use of animals (TPI) (in Dutch);
       • Review of the Transition to Animal-Free Innovations (TPI), June 2018 - October 2020.

   16. 2020Recommendation: reduce the number of laboratory animals by investing in alternatives

       A 1% levy on the research budget for animal experiments is not enough to promote research that does not involve the use of animal experiments. Substantially larger investments in alternatives will, however, bring about a fall in the number of animal experiments, as a follow-up study carried out by the Technopolis Group consultancy agency shows.

       Poorer science climate

       A levy on animal experiments will also lead to a poorer science climate, and may also shift research abroad. The consultancy agency also anticipates that this will diminish support for the transition to animal-free research methods

       Read more in the Study on the finances of laboratory animal research and animal-free innovations (Studie naar de financiën van proefdieronderzoek en dierproefvrije innovaties) (13 November 2020) (in Dutch).

4. Promote animal-free innovation

   1. 2021Venture Challenge: creators of digital 3D animals win start-up competition

      Digital 3D animals for anatomy lessons instead of real animals. That was the winning entry for the inaugural Animal Free Venture Challenge. The winner, Avatar Zoo, receives €25,000 to enable it to take its virtual reality models further.

      Impact of animal-free research

      In introducing the challenge, the Dutch Society for the Replacement of Animal Testing aims to increase and accelerate the impact of animal-free research. It is a programme lasting ten to twelve weeks in which an animal-free scientific breakthrough is converted into a business plan. Teams of researchers are helped to convert their ideas into a successful business.

      Read more about the Animal-Free Venture Challenge on the website of proefdiervrij.nl.

   2. 2020Launch: Partnership working on a ‘virtual human’ for safety assessments (VHP4Safety)

      Testing medicines and chemicals using computer programs containing human biology data is the idea behind the 'Virtual Human Platform for safety assessment'  (VHP4Safety) research project. This could in future be used in place of animal experiments during the present safety assessments.

      Predicting the effect of a drug

      Researchers are working on a 'virtual human' computer model that can predict the effect of a substance introduced into the body. This could enable better and faster detection of side-effects of medicines, for example. Experts in data science, toxicology, technology, biotechnology and transition science collaborate in the VHP4Safety project.

      Read more in the document entitled Towards reliable safety assessment using animal-free innovations (Op naar een betrouwbare veiligheidsbeoordeling met proefdiervrije innovaties) (28 July 2021) (in Dutch).

   3. 2021Call for proposals: boost for the use of animal-free innovations

      How do we ensure that existing animal-free models can actually be used? The science funding body NWO makes nearly €3 million available for research that answers that question.

      Substance safety

      People are exposed on a daily basis to chemical substances in food, cosmetics and the environment. The safety of those substances has to be assessed in order to protect humans. Confidence that this will in time also be possible using animal-free models, based on knowledge about and data on humans, is yet to grow.

      Problem solving

      A lack of awareness and trust means that acceptance and use of existing animal-free models is slow to grow. Hence the NWO's request that scientists, regulators and the business community jointly come up with proposals to examine solutions to this problem.

      Read more about the Dutch Research Agency (NWA)'s call for research regarding the acceptance of animal-free models. 

   4. 2021Letter to Parliament: continuation of the TPI partnership programme

      The government intends to go ahead with the programme aimed at increasing the pace of the Transition Programme for Innovation without the use of animals (TPI). It also aims to make the transition to animal-free research easier to discuss. For instance, by sharing stories about the possibilities alternatives have to offer, and by continuing dialogues with parties holding different views.

      Increasing the pace of the transition to animal-free research

      During this phase of the TPI, the initiatives of all stakeholders should increase the pace of the transition to animal-free research in a targeted manner. The government intends to monitor the acceleration of the transition and ensure that parties holding opposing views continue to discuss the subject with one another.

      Read more in the letter to parliament about the continuation in 2021-2023 of the Transition Programme for Innovation without the use of animals (TPI) (21 July 2021) (in Dutch).

   5. 2021Resolution: The European Parliament intends to increase the pace of animal-free innovations

      It aims to abolish faster laboratory tests using animals. The parliamentarians ask the European Commission (EC), the executive body of the European Union (EU) to provide a plan for this.

      Action plan for resolving bottlenecks

      In the EU, researchers are already obliged to use non-animal test models where they are available. The Parliament wants an action plan from the EC to resolve bottlenecks surrounding the use of alternatives to animal testing. That action plan should focus on research, prescribed tests for safety assessments and education. The Parliament's ultimate aim is to abolish animal experiments in their entirety. Read more in the European Parliament's Resolution on plans and actions to accelerate the transition to innovation without the use of animals in research, regulatory testing and education  (16 September 2021).

   6. 2021Study: systematic literature reviews will reduce the number of animal experiments

      Systematic comparison of existing research (systematic review) can improve the quality of laboratory animal research, as shown in a ZonMw study into an eight-year funding programme for systematic reviews.

      Better quality of research

      It turns out that if they do not conduct literature reviews, researchers regularly use the wrong animal model. Examples include use of the wrong strain of rats. Literature reviews improve the quality of the design and implementation of research and the reporting on it.

      Becoming more aware of the impact of research

      It has also emerged that researchers will be more aware of the impact of laboratory animal research and animal-free innovations following a literature review. For instance, they will produce better reports on:

      • the housing of the animals;
      • the treatment selected;
      • justification for the use of the animal model.

      Literature reviews therefore prevent the unnecessary use of laboratory animals (animal waste) and redundant repetition of research (research waste).

      Read more:

      • article entitled Systematic literature reviews replace, reduce and refine laboratory animal research (Systematisch literatuuronderzoek vervangt, vermindert en verfijnt proefdieronderzoek) (10 November 2020) (in Dutch), ZonMw;
      • English-language article The impact of conducting preclinical systematic reviews on researchers and their research: A mixed method case study (13 December 201 [sic]), PLOS ONE.

   7. 2022Launch of Young TPI

      Sharing knowledge and contributing to animal-free innovations. This is the goal of Young TPI, a network for students and young professionals.

      Animal-free careers

      Young people have the opportunity to start their careers without the use of laboratory animals. Young TPI therefore wishes to inform them about all the possibilities at an early stage. They will also share their own experiences in the network, for example so that innovative ideas about animal-free models for research can be disseminated more widely.

      Aims of Young TPI

      • to contribute to accelerating the transition to animal-free innovation,
      • to create awareness and share knowledge about existing innovations,
      • to help with career prospects: e.g. by making contact with employers and developing professional skills,
      • to advise and communicate on animal-free innovations.

      Register with Young TPI.

   8. 2022Beyond Animal Testing Index (BATI)

      The BATI shows what knowledge institutions are doing in the area of animal-free innovation and the 3Rs: replacing, reducing and refining animal experiments.

      Comparing advancements

      Knowledge institutions can use the BATI to compare their efforts in the field of animal-free innovation and thus gain new insights.

      Advantages of the BATI

      • benchmark: compares performance and policy for animal-free research in the Netherlands,
      • monitoring: shows how the transition to animal-free innovation is proceeding,
      • best practices: shows good examples which others can learn from,
      • encourages transparency and cooperation for animal-free innovation,
      • provides scientific evidence (evidence-based) for policy development.

      Read more on the website beyondanimaltesting.org.