The Species Gap Between Animal Testing

Published in Zenodo, 2025

Abstract

Animal testing has long been a cornerstone of biomedical and pharmaceutical research, yet its ethical justification and scientific reliability are increasingly questioned. This article examines the limitations of animal models and explores modern alternatives that offer more human-relevant outcomes.

Statistical approaches, such as power analysis, demonstrate that far fewer animals are needed to achieve valid results, challenging the necessity of large-scale animal use. Advances in computational modelling, including physiologically based kinetic/dynamic simulations and in silico trials, provide predictive insights into drug behavior without sacrificing animal lives.

Moreover, the high failure rate of pharmaceuticals transitioning from animal studies to human clinical trials underscores the species gap and reduced translational accuracy of conventional models. Regulatory developments, such as the FDA Modernisation Act 2.0, further validate the adoption of non-animal methods.

While animal models can offer systemic insights, their confounding variables often hinder precise interpretation. The article concludes that the future of biomedical research lies in standardized, accessible, human-focused data systems that enable widespread adoption of computational and in vitro techniques, advancing both ethical responsibility and scientific precision.

Publication Details

Published: November 13, 2025
Publisher: Zenodo
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17702477
License: Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial No Derivatives 4.0 International
Language: English
Keywords: Biomedical Engineering, Medical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering/Instrumentation
Article Type: Journal Article

Citation

```bibtex @article{https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17702477, doi = {10.5281/ZENODO.17702477}, url = {https://zenodo.org/doi/10.5281/zenodo.17702477}, author = {CHENG, Wan Kiu Winkey}, keywords = {Biomedical Engineering, FOS: Medical engineering, Biomedical Engineering/instrumentation}, language = {en}, title = {The Species Gap Between Animal Testing}, publisher = {Zenodo}, year = {2025}, copyright = {Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial No Derivatives 4.0 International} }

Recommended citation: CHENG, Wan Kiu Winkey. (2025). "The Species Gap Between Animal Testing." Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17702477
Download Paper