Alternatives to and reduction of animal use in biomedical research, education and testing

By Frazier, J.M. - Goldberg, A.M.

Biomedical endeavors can be divided into three major categories: research, education, and testing. Within the context of each of these categories, activities involving whole animals have made major contributions and will continue to do so in the future. However, with technological developments in the areas of biotechnology and computers, new methods are already reducing the use of whole animals in certain areas. This article discusses the general issues of alternatives and then focuses on the development of new approaches to toxicity testing.