NIH Shifts Focus Toward Human-Based Research Technologies

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced a new initiative to promote the development and use of human-based research models, aiming to reduce reliance on animal testing while accelerating biomedical innovation. The effort aligns with a broader movement, including recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initiatives, to embrace nonanimal alternatives that leverage cutting-edge technologies.

While animal models have long been foundational in biomedical research, emerging tools—such as organ-on-chip systems, computational modeling, and 3D bioprinting—are opening new frontiers for understanding human biology more accurately. These technologies offer promising avenues for answering complex research questions that traditional models may not address effectively.

“This marks a transformative moment for biomedical science,” said NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya. “By integrating advanced technologies and data science with our deepening knowledge of human biology, we’re redefining how research can be conducted—from discovery through to clinical application. This shift will not only accelerate scientific breakthroughs but also enhance public trust and improve patient outcomes.”

The NIH initiative aims to expand the research community’s toolkit by supporting innovative methods that reflect human physiology more directly, potentially speeding up the development of safer, more effective therapies. This approach reflects a growing consensus that human-relevant models can play a key role in driving the future of precision medicine and translational research.

SOURCE: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-prioritize-human-based-research-technologies 

CREDITS: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH