(MENAFN) The UK government revealed on Tuesday a £75 million ($98 million) initiative aimed at gradually eliminating animal testing in scientific research, replacing it with cutting-edge alternative methods.

Presented by Science Minister Patrick Vallance, the plan outlines a structured approach to decrease and eventually abolish the use of animals in both research and safety assessments, while ensuring that human health and environmental standards remain uncompromised.

In a statement, the government explained that the strategy would “support work to end animal testing wherever possible and roll out alternatives as soon as it is safe and effective to do so.”

The initiative sets specific timelines, including the cessation of regulatory animal tests for skin and eye irritation and skin sensitization by the close of 2026.

By 2027, mouse-based assays for measuring Botox potency are expected to be replaced with DNA-based techniques, and by 2030, studies involving dogs and non-human primates to monitor drug distribution in the body will see a significant reduction.

The government noted that emerging technologies—such as organ-on-a-chip devices, AI-powered safety predictions, and 3D bioprinted tissues—will create “lifelike environments for studying human biology” while generating more accurate data for pharmaceuticals and chemicals.

“By harnessing our scientific excellence, we can deliver real benefits for animal welfare while advancing innovative research that improves lives,” said Animal Welfare Minister Sue Hayman.

Oversight of the plan will be provided by a newly formed committee chaired by Vallance, with key performance indicators set to be published in the coming year.

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