DELHI (April 24, 2025) – On the occasion of World Day for Laboratory Animals, Humane World for Animals India (formerly Humane Society International India), in collaboration with the Society of Young Scientists (SYS), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, organized a walkathon in Delhi to urge scientists to “think outside the cage” and shift to more human-relevant, non-animal approaches in research and testing. The two-hour event began in AIIMS’s Jawaharlal Nehru Auditorium and attracted 300 students, researchers, doctors and others.
With around 90% of drugs tested on animals failing in human trials, researchers worldwide are moving away from outdated animal models toward more human-relevant systems — including sophisticated organs-on-chips (such as human liver and lung models), organoids, advanced cell culture techniques and computational methods. These methods not only reduce the need for animal use but also promise more accurate results for human health. These cutting-edge non-animal technologies are increasingly being recognized and authorized by regulatory bodies around the world to test the safety and efficacy of drugs.
“This collaborative effort reflects how strongly the young scientists of India feel about incorporating modern, animal-free approaches in their research programs. By embracing the most advanced scientific tools available, they are not only supporting innovation and public health but also setting a new benchmark for ethical research,” said Dr. Harshita Mittal, senior manager for research and toxicology at Humane World for Animals India.
“On World Day for Laboratory Animals, SYS AIIMS emphasizes the importance of humane research practices, translational research and the 3Rs— Replacement, Reduction and Refinement— in fostering innovation that improves both human and animal health,” said Naresh Kumar Chaudhary, chairman, SYS AIIMS.
Humane World for Animals India has been advocating for non-animal methodologies across different sectors including biomedical research, drug development, chemical and vaccine batch release testing since 2012. Recently, the organization also organized a workshop in collaboration with the Biotechnology Industrial Research Assistance Council, the Department of Biotechnology, GoI and the Division of Strategic Alliances, Office of Principal Scientific Advisor, Government of India on creating a roadmap for funding such technologies.
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