Technological development of alternative method to animal experiments in Japan

Abstract

The alternative method to animal experiments is based on 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) of animal experiments. The use of an alternative method to animal experiment has become a global trend in chemical substances, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, agrochemicals, as well as cosmetics for which animal testing within the EU area was prohibited by the EU directive. Here, the progress of alternative method research to animal experiment in Japan, and recent topics on the development of “replacement” in cell culture, non mammalian, non vertebrates and in silico as technical aspects are described.