Dutch National Growth Fund to invest €124,5 million in animal-free test center

By Team IO

The Dutch National Growth Fund will invest €124,5 million in a new center for animal-free biomedical testing. The Centre for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation (CPBT) aims to generate safer and more effective treatments while reducing animal suffering.

After an initial application by the CPBT in the third round of the National Growth Fund led to a reservation of 124,5 million euros, an adapted proposal was submitted in January 2024. This proposal has now been positively assessed and the funds awarded.

Safe and affordable medicines

The formation of the CPBT comes as great progress is being made in the development of non-animal testing methods and their accreditation and qualification. Academia, industry, regulators, patient organizations, government, and NGOs are increasingly working together to obtain more accurate and cost-effective medicines.

Despite these positive moves towards more cross-sector collaboration, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the results obtained from animal experiments can be limited and ineffective. In most biomedical development pathways, it is only during in-human studies that it becomes apparent that the animal experiments conducted were unable to predict therapeutic effects in humans. 

Alternatives to animal testing: a complex battle against the rat as the gold standard

There is a dilemma in the debate surrounding animal testing in the Netherlands and the European Union. On the one hand, there is a call from society, politicians, and the sector itself to reduce animal testing and develop alternatives. On the other hand, we also want medical progress and safety for consumers, animals, and the environment, in which animal testing is still indispensable.

New center for revolutionary change

Together with many national and international partners, the CPBT will establish a center for developing and disseminating animal-free biomedical innovations and expertise. In the first instance, it will focus on ALS, cystic fibrosis, osteoarthritis/rheumatic diseases, and asthma/COPD. The CPBT will implement the developed methods, tools, and expertise with researchers and companies. The new center will also offer education, training, advice, and support to enhance the acceptance and use of animal-free biomedical innovations. Combined, the CPBT will run an integrated program that accelerates the transition to animal-free testing and strengthens the earning capacity of the Netherlands.