Novel Alternative Methods

Novel alternative methods (NAMs) are complementary approaches to the use of animals in research. The use of NAMs complements and may even replace the need for animal models in certain types of research, including:

• Revealing basic mechanisms in complex systems,
• Refining hypotheses, and
• Allowing scaling with respect to input variables (e.g., toxins or drugs).

Examples of NAMs include organoids, computational models, and microphysiological systems. Non-mammalian models, such as Drosophila and C. elegans, are also considered alternative approaches to the use of traditional animals in research.

Scientists are encouraged to consider the utility of NAMs as part of the study design process.

NAMs Resources:

• NIH - When are Alternatives to Animals Used in Research?

This page was last updated on Tuesday, August 1, 2023