Alternative approaches to the use of animals for scientific purposes in France
Résumé
The aim of the FC3R's first survey on the use of alternative approaches to the use of animals for scientific purposes in France was to draw up an inventory of their use. The survey mainly involved academic researchers working in various fields of scientific research. The survey reveals that complementary methods (use of non-animal approaches and animal models by the same researcher/engineer) are in the majority compared to the exclusive use of substitutive approaches. Four Systems-Domains account for half of the fields involved, with a different breakdown. Thus, the main Systems-Domains in complementary methods are the immune system and infectiology, oncology, the nervous and sensory system, and the gastrointestinal system and liver. Substitutive approaches, on the other hand, are developing mainly in oncology, the nervous and sensory system, the immune system and infectiology, and the gastrointestinal system and liver. According to the survey, researchers/engineers using exclusively non-animal methods are developing more complex surrogate approaches (organoids, organs-on-a-chip, other 3D cultures, etc.) than those using complementary non-animal approaches and model organisms. The cells mainly used are primary and immortalized cells, mainly of human origin, followed by animal cells (all species). The majority of respondents use both human and animal cells. The main source of research funding is ANR/ANRS/Inca, followed by foundations and associations. Complementary methods are mainly funded by the ANR/ANRS/Inca, while substitutive methods benefit more from European subsidies and funding from foundations and associations. Researchers are expressing a need for financial support to develop alternative methods, as well as for information sharing and access to specialized training to encourage their adoption. The FC3R is taking steps to meet these needs. Some of the researchers are questioning the limits of alternative methods. A particular feature of this survey is the inclusion of invertebrates not protected by Directive 2010/63/EU. The use of these animals for experimental purposes is classified as a "relative replacement" method. Although few responses were received, this category seems to be in line with complementary methods, except in toxicology. The FC3R wishes to establish a longitudinal analysis to better monitor the evolution of the use of substitute methods and the emergence of new methods or uses. This will enable us to identify relevant levers for action and define appropriate strategies to support this transition.
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