Evaluating the translational value of preclinical models: Available tools and frameworks, challenges and strategies

Recent global initiatives are accelerating the shift toward human-centric approaches, reducing reliance on animal models in preclinical research and other domains. In this changing landscape, objectively evaluating the scientific relevance and merit of research involving animal models, and assessing their translational relevance is increasingly critical. Over the past decade, several tools have been developed to assess translational relevance, accuracy/appropriateness and efficacy of preclinical animal models, evaluate risk-of-bias in preclinical research, support harm-benefit analyses, and facilitate the adoption of non-animal replacement strategies. However, the uptake of such tools remains limited. To address this, a Biomedical Research for the 21st Century (BioMed21) Collaboration workshop on 'Evaluating translational value of animal models in preclinical research - Tools, challenges, and strategies', was convened by Humane World for Animals (30 June-1 July 2025). The event brought together tool developers and diverse global interest-holders to review current assessment tools, discuss their strengths, complementarity, limitations and feasibility, and explore opportunities for cross-sector collaboration. This paper summarises key outcomes of these presentations and discussions, highlighting knowledge gaps and barriers to the adoption of these tools and frameworks by researchers, funders and regulators. Strategies to raise awareness and promote the use of the tools and frameworks, to better inform funding decisions, regulatory approval and the appraisal of preclinical research, are also proposed.

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Publication Details

Journal
Alternatives to Laboratory Animals
Published
2025-11-27
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/02611929251398821
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Animal testing and alternatives
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
2.35
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article

Evaluating the translational value of preclinical models: Available tools and frameworks, challenges and strategies

Marc T. Avey, Danilo A. Tagle, Ignacio J. Tripodi, Jonathan Kimmelman et al.
1 citations
Alternatives to Laboratory Animals
Animal testing and alternatives
2.35
article

Evaluating the translational value of preclinical models: Available tools and frameworks, challenges and strategies

Marc T. Avey, Danilo A. Tagle, Ignacio J. Tripodi, Jonathan Kimmelman, Francesca Pistollato, Janette Turner, Annalisa Gastaldello, Marco Straccia, Conor P. Delaney, Martin Wehling, Simon Lohse, Laura García‐Bermejo, Guilherme S. Ferreira, David Mawufemor Azilagbetor, Bianca Marigliani, Kurinchi Selvan Gurusamy, Celean Camp, Julia M. L. Menon, Merel Ritskes‐Hoitinga, Laura Holden, Fabia Furtmann, Shaarika Sarasija, Helder Costantino
article en
1 citations

Abstract

Recent global initiatives are accelerating the shift toward human-centric approaches, reducing reliance on animal models in preclinical research and other domains. In this changing landscape, objectively evaluating the scientific relevance and merit of research involving animal models, and assessing their translational relevance is increasingly critical. Over the past decade, several tools have been developed to assess translational relevance, accuracy/appropriateness and efficacy of preclinical animal models, evaluate risk-of-bias in preclinical research, support harm-benefit analyses, and facilitate the adoption of non-animal replacement strategies. However, the uptake of such tools remains limited. To address this, a Biomedical Research for the 21st Century (BioMed21) Collaboration workshop on 'Evaluating translational value of animal models in preclinical research - Tools, challenges, and strategies', was convened by Humane World for Animals (30 June-1 July 2025). The event brought together tool developers and diverse global interest-holders to review current assessment tools, discuss their strengths, complementarity, limitations and feasibility, and explore opportunities for cross-sector collaboration. This paper summarises key outcomes of these presentations and discussions, highlighting knowledge gaps and barriers to the adoption of these tools and frameworks by researchers, funders and regulators. Strategies to raise awareness and promote the use of the tools and frameworks, to better inform funding decisions, regulatory approval and the appraisal of preclinical research, are also proposed.

Alternatives to Laboratory AnimalsVol. 54(1)
Canadian Council on Animal Care (CA), Radboud University Nijmegen (NL), University of Basel (CH), Utrecht University (NL), Aarhus University (DK), Instituto Cajal (ES), Heidelberg University (DE), Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PK), Global Strategy Group (US), European Commission (BE), Health and Safety Authority (IE), Netherlands Heart Institute (NL), Joint Research Centre (IT), Film Independent (US), Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (ES), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (US), Barcelona School of Economics (ES), University College London (GB), Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (BD), McGill University (CA), University of Birmingham (GB), Organisation Mondiale de la Santé Animale (FR)
Openalex Percentile: Top 9%
Animal testing and alternatives
2.35
DOIOpen Access PDFOpenAlex
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