New in vitro models: alternatives to animal models in research

In the last decade, there has been a rapid development of innovative approaches aimed at replacing, refining and reducing dependence on animal experimentation.

At the same time, there is growing public pressure as well as regulatory pressure in Europe to accelerate the adoption of non-animal models. This momentum was reinforced in 2021, when the EU Parliament issued a resolution (2021/2784(RSP)) outlining ambitious goals to promote the transition to non-animal studies in research, regulatory testing and education.

In response to this need, new methodologies are being explored, taking advantage of in silico analyses combined with cutting-edge artificial intelligence approaches, as well as the development of in vitro mini-organs based on human cells, including organoids and organ-on-chip platforms.

These advances are fuelled by the integration of stem cell technologies and engineering techniques such as 3D bioprinting and microfluidic systems. Thus, these three-dimensional (3D) models have demonstrated remarkable success in replicating various organs, from the brain, heart, lung and kidney to the intestine, liver, retina and skin. They have immense potential to revolutionise the basic and translational research landscape in the coming years.

This course will provide an up-to-date overview of these robust and sophisticated models for recapitulating  health and disease states. These innovative approaches offer valuable information for pre-clinical studies, marking a paradigm shift in the way research is conducted and paving the way for a more ethical and scientifically advanced era.