[Alternative methods to animal testing: the need for funding and dissemination]

The use of animals for scientific purposes brings a moral conflict between the necessity for human health and animal rights. Indeed, science has shown that most animals used in research are sentient beings, capable of suffering. Based on the principle of the 3Rs, the European legislation encourages the development of alternative methods to animal testing. French and European public opinions support the development of alternatives and broadly reject the use of animals for scientific purposes when alternatives exist. However, alternative methods to animal testing are still lacking. In order to drastically reduce the use of animals to this end, significant fundings are necessary. As far as this matter is concerned, France comes at the bottom of the class, but the creation of its 3Rs centre gathering all major scientific institutes and launching calls for fundings is a step into the right direction. The European Union funds projects of alternative methods, so do other private stakeholders, such as companies and NGOs. Another matter is the dissemination of alternative methods to scientists so they are aware of these methods. Some French research teams develop innovative methods and try to disseminate them. French and European platforms bring together creators, users and regulators to that end. Funding and disseminating alternative methods to animal testing should be a priority.