Summary

Directs NIH to strengthen its support, guidance, review, and incentives for humane, human‑relevant nonanimal research methods; creates a new National Center to coordinate alternatives to animal research and testing; and requires entities that receive federal research/testing funds (and federal agencies that use animals) to report animal use counts and submit public plans to reduce those numbers. The bill sets timelines for reporting (initial reports within two years, then biennially) and defines covered animals to include live nonhuman vertebrates and cephalopods.

Key Points

• Directs NIH to explicitly promote and incentivize validated nonanimal research and testing methods in guidance and review.
• Creates a new National Center for Alternatives to Animals in Research and Testing within the Public Health Service Act framework.
• Requires federally funded researchers and federal agencies that use animals to report animal use counts by species and to make reduction plans public.
• Initial animal‑use reports are due within two years of enactment, with updates and reduction plans required every two years thereafter.
• Peer review must include at least one expert in nonanimal methods and access to a librarian skilled in searching for alternatives.
• Institutions must assure NIH that no scientifically satisfactory nonanimal method is available before conducting animal research.
• Defines covered animals to include live nonhuman vertebrates and cephalopods used or intended for research or testing.
• No specific appropriations or funding amounts are provided in the text excerpt; implementation may require additional resources.

Categories & Tags