AMP Statement on Animal Research and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)
The future of biomedical research depends on bringing together the best available science to answer complex questions and deliver safe, effective treatments. To advance medical progress, researchers need access to every appropriate tool—including New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and responsibly conducted animal studies—used individually or together based on the scientific question and the evidence needed to protect human and animal health.
Animal research continues to be a vital part of scientific discovery, helping us understand how diseases, treatments, and potential risks influence the intricate interactions within living systems. AMP affirms the responsible use of animals when scientifically necessary and strongly supports the continued development and appropriate use of NAMs, including human cell-based systems, organoids, computational models, and other emerging technologies. These tools can strengthen research, inform the design of animal studies, and advance the 3Rs of replacement, reduction, and refinement.
Laws, regulations, and agency policies require researchers and product developers to provide sufficient evidence that potential treatments are safe and effective. Regulators increasingly welcome data from qualified NAMs, and these methods can provide valuable insight throughout the research process. However, NAMs cannot yet replicate every interaction within a whole living system or provide all the evidence needed to protect patients. Until they can reliably answer those questions, animal data will remain an important part of evaluating safety and effectiveness.
To move science forward, sustained investment is needed across the entire research continuum, along with collaboration among experts in NAMs, animal research, clinical science, veterinary medicine, and regulatory review. Bringing these capabilities together will produce stronger evidence, support responsible research, and help promising discoveries reach human and animal patients safely and effectively.
Download a PDF of the AMP Statement on Animal Research and New Approach Methodologies
