FDA to phase out animal testing requirement

The FDA says it will phase out a requirement that certain drugs be tested on animals. In a statement, the FDA says it’s taking this step because there are testing methods that are more effective and “human-relevant.” The agency says one possible replacement for animal testing includes AI-based computer simulations — or even lab-grown human “organoids.” Until now, that proof has had to be shown through lab testing, often in animals, before they are tested in humans. Animals have been considered good stand-ins at the stage of clinical trials where it would be too dangerous to test in humans.