Animal Testing | Imagine Biotech

The Alternative To Animal Testing

There have been many advances in reducing and replacing laboratory animals. Traditional animal testing methods can be time-consuming, expensive, and raise massive ethical concerns about the treatment of animals.

The search for alternatives to animal testing began over sixty years ago with the 3R principle: replace, reduce, and refine animal use. Since 1938, U.S. law required animal testing for new drugs before human trials. On December 29, 2022, the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 has opened the door to explore non-animal testing methodologies and state-of-the-art AI/ML technologies.

The adoption of alternatives is a strategic imperative for the industry that requires scientific rigor to prove its possibility and expansive collaboration to drive change. Moving toward animal alternatives is a significant development in Imagine Biotech's business model that we offer customers and strategic industry partners.

This is our rallying cry that we must unite in the effort to not only build these innovations but also inspire confidence and transform the systems to ensure they can be effectively implemented.

Animal testing has always been a crucial part of the preclinical phase, however, data supports that testing on animalsoften does not translate effectively to human outcomes, 95% of drugs still fail after these trials.

Rodent Studies (Mice and Rats)

Basic Toxicology Studies: These studies often include single-dose toxicity tests, repeated-dose toxicity tests, and preliminary safety assessments.

Single-Dose Toxicity: Typically costs range from $50,000 to $200,000.
Repeated-Dose Toxicity: Can cost between $200,000 and $500,000, depending on the length of the study (e.g., 28-day, 90-day studies).

Non-Rodent Studies (Dogs, Monkeys)
Safety and Toxicity Studies: More complex and expensive due to the care and ethical considerations required.

Short-Term Toxicology Studies: Costs can range from $500,000 to $1 million.
Long-Term Toxicology Studies: Can exceed $1 million, especially if lasting several months to a year.