When a potential new medicine is tested on humans for the first time it is a milestone. It is thoroughly tested for safety before reaching this stage.
Often, it’s tested on animals, but increasingly New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) are being used (previously known as Non-Animal Models). NAMs are non-animal or reduced-animal scientific methods used to evaluate the safety and efficacy of drugs. These alternative technologies can include in-vitro human models (such as organoids and organ-on-a-chip) and in-silico (computer-based) modelling.
Australia’s largest provider of Human Research Ethics Committee services, Bellberry, and ASCEPT (Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists & Toxicologists) have been working together to develop robust guidance for the use of NAMs.
Two workshops have been held with international and Australian experts over the last two years.
Following the last workshop, Alison Rogers spoke with three leaders in the field to find out more about this growing alternative technology to kick off the 2026 season of From Lab to Life.