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Synthetic research tools as alternatives to animal models

Lab Animal volume 42, pages 189–190 (2013)Cite this article

New research has called into question the reliability of animal models for preclinical testing. More than 30% of promising medications have failed due to toxicity in humans despite demonstrating safety in animal models. One recent study found that what was thought to be a model of sepsis in mice is in fact a completely different condition, explaining why developing treatments for sepsis with this model has been so fruitless1.

In light of these developments, as well as amid concerns for the welfare of research animals, the field of synthetic biology has received a big funding push recently, both in the US and overseas, in order to support the development of research approaches that negate the need for animal models.

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Authors
  1. Kara Rosania
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Rosania, K. Synthetic research tools as alternatives to animal models. Lab Anim 42, 189–190 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/laban.306

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