Tue Jul 15 12:50:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewrite as a news article:
**Summary:**
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is creating an Office of Research Innovation, Validation, and Application (ORIVA) to reduce animal research, mirroring the FDA’s move to phase out animal testing for some therapies. While driven by advancements in technologies like human cell testing and AI, this shift raises concerns about replacing animal research in biomedical science. The author, Jason Shepherd, Ph.D., argues that while animal research is ethically sensitive and tightly regulated, it remains essential for understanding complex biological systems and developing treatments for many diseases, including complex psychiatric disorders. Alternative methods like stem cell technology and organoids have limitations, particularly in replicating complex interactions within the body. Animal research is crucial for improving both human and veterinary medicine, and funding must continue alongside the incorporation of non-animal technologies.
**News Article:**
**NIH Shifts Focus, Creates Office to Reduce Animal Research; Experts Caution Against Premature Transition**
Washington D.C. – The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced the creation of a new office, the Office of Research Innovation, Validation, and Application (ORIVA), signaling a potential shift away from traditional animal-based research models. This move follows a similar decision by the FDA to phase out animal testing for specific new therapies, driven by the promise of advanced technologies like human cell-based assays and artificial intelligence.
The announcement has stirred debate within the scientific community. While many welcome the ethical implications of reducing animal use, concerns have been raised about the feasibility of completely replacing animal models in biomedical research at this stage.
“We can accomplish a lot of those goals on safety and efficacy with AI technology,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Dr. Jason Shepherd, a professor of neurobiology at the University of Utah, expressed his concerns. He acknowledged the ethical considerations surrounding animal research and the stringent regulations governing it. He says scientists take the care of animals seriously. Dr. Shepherd argues that animal models remain indispensable for understanding the complexities of the human body, particularly in areas like brain research and the study of multi-system diseases.
Dr. Shepherd emphasizes that breakthroughs in stem cell technologies and organoids offer valuable tools but have limitations, especially in replicating the complex interplay of organs and systems within a living organism. He also notes that many scientific insights, like the development of RNA interference-based therapies, were initially discovered through animal research, specifically with worms and fruit flies.
“While new technologies are on the horizon that will help provide access to human biology without the need for animals, the reality is that we cannot truly comprehend the complexity of biology without animal research,” said Dr. Shepherd.
The article also highlighted how important animal research is for improving veterinary care. Scientists urge continued funding for animal research. With the evolution of technology, research will become less dependent on animals, but for now, it is necessary.
It remains to be seen how ORIVA will shape funding decisions and how effectively alternative technologies can bridge the gap in knowledge currently filled by animal models. The scientific community is calling for a balanced approach, supporting the development and integration of new technologies while recognizing the ongoing importance of animal research in advancing medical breakthroughs.
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