EPA plans to cancel mammal testing by 2035

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on the same day that it would stop carrying out or funding research on mammals in 2035, which made EPA the first federal agency to set a strict deadline for the gradual cessation of animal research in the United States, triggering strong reactions from all parties.

At present, EPA relies on animal experiments to evaluate the safety of chemicals, but chemical companies have been complaining that these tests are expensive and time-consuming. Animal protection groups have also been urging the agency to turn to non animal models, such as computer programs and "organ on chip" technology.

In June, EPA chief Andrew Wheeler released an internal memorandum outlining plans to phase out animal testing at the agency, which came into force today. "Animal experiments are expensive and time-consuming, and advances in science that do not use animals are allowing researchers to assess chemicals faster and more accurately at a lower cost," Wheeler wrote in the memo.

He also wrote that the EPA would shift resources from animal experiments to these "new methods.". EPA plans to reduce its demand and funding for mammal research by 30% by 2025, and cancel all requirements and funding for mammal research by 2035.

At the press conference, Wheeler also announced that it would provide us $4.25 million to five institutions, including Johns Hopkins University, to develop non animal methods to replace the current detection methods.

It is not clear how many animals or research projects will be affected. According to the EPA, the total number of animals submitted to the EPA for toxicology research each year is between 20000 and 100000.

The EPA's move triggered a fierce response. Justin Goodman, vice president of the white coat waste project, an animal protection group, said: "the EPA decision is a decisive victory for taxpayers, animals and the environment. Animal experiments are unreliable and misleading. "The EPA plan is the most comprehensive and active plan in the history of the United States to reduce government animal testing. I think it will be the gold standard for other institutions. ".

But Jennifer sass, a senior scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said: "the EPA's decision is disappointing. Stopping animal experiments will bring potentially dangerous chemicals into the environment and consumer goods."

Sass stressed that although scientists have made great progress in creating non animal models, they are still unable to compare with real animal models. To determine whether a chemical causes diseases such as lupus, you need to see how it affects the entire immune system, not just a few cells in a dish. Without animal experiments, learning disabilities caused by lead poisoning would not be found.

It is reported that EPA's Scientific Advisory Committee will supervise the new plan.