Integrating 3Rs approaches in WHO guidelines for the batch release testing of biologicals: Summary of NC3Rs final report to WHO Expert Committee for Biological Standardisation

A recently published report from the UK National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement, and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) has highlighted significant opportunities for the broader inclusion of 3Rs approaches (i.e. Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal tests) within World Health Organization (WHO) manuals, guidelines and recommendations for vaccines and biotherapeutics. The report is the culmination of a three-year project, co-funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to review the extent to which animal-based testing methods are described in WHO manuals, guidelines and recommendations. The aim was to identify where recommendations did not incorporate current non-animal testing strategies and/or 3Rs principles in biologicals quality control and batch release testing. The inclusion of such methods in WHO guidance documents would improve their adoption by regulators and help to accelerate the safe release of these products to the communities who need them most. The final report was presented to the WHO's Expert Committee on Biological Standardization (ECBS) in October 2023 for their consideration and response. The project findings and recommendations described in the report are summarised in this article.