Non-Animal Models for Research and Toxicity Testing of Drugs

Abstract

All drug discovery methods, right from 'trial-and-error' approach to modern rational synthesis of drugs, make use of animals to check for efficacy and toxicity of compounds. This results in millions of animals being sacrificed every year. Following a global debate on "cruelty of animals", various acts were made and enforced in order to protect animal rights. As a work, around to these animal protection acts, drug discovery scientists started finding alternative approaches to animal studies for research. This review attempts to compile some of the more important non-animal models which are being used for testing safety and efficacy of drugs in preclinical stages.

Animal Models Alternatives: Desideratum during COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The 3Rs strategy is being implemented, which stands for reduction, refining, and replacement of animal use in laboratories. 30 The definition of "3R" was introduced to the world in 1957 by Charles Hume and William Russell at the Universities Federation of Animal Welfare. 11 This idea is extended to the use of laboratory animals in drug research.…”

“…In recent years, the 4 th R, i.e., responsibility, has been added. 30 The 4R's are discussed as follows (Figure 1):…”

“…34 The embryo in-vitro embryonic stem cell culture test is used to differentiate toxic compounds from non-toxic compounds. 30…”

“…Membranes are protected from damage during preserving techniques thanks to the invention of cryptopreservation and the use of reagents and protocols. 30 Green-screen genotoxicity assays…”