"Human-centered models are no longer 'alternatives' to laboratory animals, but an upgrade"
Every year, hundreds of thousands of animals are still used in scientific research in the Netherlands. At the same time, we increasingly understand that animal testing is often a detour: we try to understand humans through animals, even though models currently exist align much better with human biology. Great opportunities remain to address this issue. “We are still following a route that doesn't really make sense anymore,” explains Debby Weijers, Director of Proefdiervrij (Dutch Society for the Replacement of Animal Testing).
“Human-centered models align directly with humans and enable more complex research—making them a much more logical path.” This is not only better for animals, but also far more logical for research that ultimately aims to help humans.
“Residual tissue provided through VitalTissue is an excellent resource for many of these human-centered models, such as organ-on-a-chip or organoid models. Residual tissue is, by far, the closest to the system we want to study: the human body. And to think it would otherwise be discarded! For me, VitalTissue is truly a 'one plus one equals three' project. That is why Proefdiervrij has invested 200,000 euros in VitalTissue to support this animal-free progress. This way, we advance human-centered science: in a concrete, applicable way, and reducing reliance on animal tests.”
“We want people to spread the word that human-centered models are the future—whether at the dinner table, in the lecture hall, or in the lab. Because the more people understand that animal testing still takes place, but has become a detour, the faster we can build a new standard together.”
See also: https://proefdiervrij.nl/tijd-voor-menselijkheid
