A report by CSIRO reveals a $1.5 billion growth potential in non-animal models, outlining a strategic pathway for Australia to solidify its role in advancing medical product development.
The report offers 10 key recommendations to fast-track Australia's progress in demonstration, scaling and commercialisation of these models.
Internationally, there’s been sharp growth in the non-animal testing market – which stood at US$1.11 billion in 2019 – as shifts in policy discourage animal testing.
The CSIRO report highlights Australia's unique advantages, stating, "Australia has comparative global strengths in non‑animal models for several organ systems likely to disrupt the status quo about the use of animal models over the next 15 years … including existing infrastructure, high throughput screening capabilities and internationally recognised capacity for induced pluripotent stem cell generation, a key input for non-animal model development.
“These emerging models will also be critical to protect and further strengthen Australia’s $1.4 billion clinical trials sector.”
Non-animal models outperform traditional models
The report also outlined the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of non-animal models, stating: “The complexity of non-animal models is rapidly increasing, equating to or surpassing the performance of traditionally used animal models in several applications.
“Due to their enhanced biological relevance, non-animal models can increase productivity and reduce costs by identifying unsuitable medical products earlier in development and re-investing savings in more promising candidates.
“These models also support broader global ‘3Rs’ objectives to replace, reduce and refine the use of animals for research and testing purposes.”
An expert panel discussion will take place at the AusBiotech 2023 conference, featuring speakers from St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Tessara Therapeutics and CSIRO Futures.
The panel aims to investigate evolving methods in drug screening, thereby heralding a new era of effective therapies.
You can register for AusBiotech 2023 for more information and read CSIRO's full report here.