Trump Administration Makes Historic Move to End Animal Testing Across Federal Agencies

The FDA and EPA outline plans to transition to advanced technologies instead of traditional animal testing, signaling a significant change in ethical research practices.

In a surprising turn of events, the Trump administration has garnered applause from an unlikely coalition, including major animal rights organizations, lawmakers from various parties, and advocates for medical ethics, following its commitment to eliminate animal testing across federal programs at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

On Thursday, the FDA announced its plan to gradually abandon the requirement for animal testing in antibody therapies and other pharmaceutical developments, opting to utilize pioneering technologies such as organ-on-a-chip systems which simulate human biological responses. This innovative approach has won accolades from prominent animal rights group PETA.

"Today marks a pivotal moment as the FDA transitions away from detrimental animal testing towards methodologies that better reflect human health outcomes," stated Kathy Guillermo, PETA's senior vice president. "This decision is a testament to the agency's dedication to ethical and progressive scientific practices." Guillermo further urged for the cessation of ineffective primate testing at federally funded facilities and called for the FDA to continue its embrace of contemporary scientific advancements.

Additionally, the EPA has started its own process of phasing out animal testing, a move that positions the Trump administration as a trailblazer in combining efforts from multiple agencies to reform drug and chemical testing methods. This shift away from animal testing is viewed as a landmark decision that underscores the changing landscape of scientific ethics and innovation, receiving approval from organizations that typically oppose Trump’s political stance.