The AAMC submitted comments to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on Aug. 16 on the use of novel alternative methods (NAM) in biomedical research. The association’s comments were in response to the NIH’s request for information from the research community about the potential of new methods as possible alternatives to the use of animals or whole organism models.
The information generated from the request is to be considered by the NAM working group established last year under the Advisory Committee to the NIH Director [refer to Washington Highlights, Dec. 16, 2022], which will make recommendations for areas for NIH support and development of standards. In its comments, the AAMC noted that new models tend to be complementary, not alternative, in advancing research and stressed the importance of keeping multiple pathways and research options available. The NIH also convened a workshop on Aug. 21 that discussed different alternative models, including gene chips, computer modeling, and synthetic “organoids” which mimic the functions of organs.
- Washington Highlights