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Written question asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative) on Monday, 20 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 22 April 2026. It was answered by Kanishka Narayan (Labour) on Monday, 27 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Animal Experiments: Artificial Intelligence

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to her Department's policy paper entitled Replacing animals in science: A strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods, published on 11 November 2025, what progress her Department has made in (a) developing AI prediction tools and (b) obtaining kinetic data from combining tests with general toxicity testing.

Answer

This is an area of extensive effort across industry and stakeholders. NC3Rs are funding development of a virtual dog to replace dogs in second species testing (Virtual Second Species Innovation Platform). We continue working with partners to develop resources to expand these efforts.

The strategy has not committed to obtaining kinetic data. Basket 2 sets out long‑term ambitions that must be science‑led, partnership‑based and delivered over time.

The strategy aims to use validated alternative methods to reduce use of dogs and non‑human primates in dedicated Pharmacokinetic studies for human medicines by at least 35% by 2030.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
128385
Session
2024-26
Related items
Subjects
Animal experiments Artificial intelligence
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk