Computer Models Are Not Replacing Research on Animals, and They Never Will

The number of papers using computer models in biomedical research is insignificant compared with those using animals

The claim: computer models are replacing animals in scientific research

The buzz is everywhere when animal research is mentioned: experiments in animals are outdated because computer models are replacing them.

You may have read statements like these:

“Researchers have developed a wide range of sophisticated computer models that simulate human biology and the progression of developing diseases. Studies show that these models can accurately predict the ways that new drugs will react in the human body and replace the use of animals in exploratory research and many standard drug tests.” PETA.

“Sophisticated computer models use existing information (instead of carrying out more animal tests) to predict how a medicine or chemical, such as drain cleaner or lawn fertilizer, might affect a human.” The Humane Society of the United States.

“But research shows computer simulations of the heart have the potential to improve drug development for patients and reduce the…