1 October 2026 · MHRA
MHRA supports global call for alternatives to animal testing
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has joined counterpart international regulatory bodies to call for the advancement and integration of alternatives to animal testing. The UK regulator has co-developed an international statement alongside global authorities to encourage the adoption of non-animal approaches in preclinical research, safety evaluations and broader regulatory processes.
The joint statement underscores the collective commitment among participating regulators to support the validation, acceptance and practical implementation of alternative methodologies across drug development. By collaborating on an international level, the agencies aim to establish consistent regulatory frameworks and shared scientific expectations for non-animal test data, helping to standardise how non-animal evidence is reviewed during the assessment of new pharmaceutical products.
This collaborative regulatory position seeks to facilitate the development of innovative scientific methods that maintain high standards of patient safety and drug efficacy while reducing reliance on traditional animal models throughout the product development lifecycle.
For UK online pharmacies and digital health brands, this development does not alter current day-to-day dispensing workflows or clinical operational requirements, but it signals long-term international alignment on how future medicines pipelines will be evaluated before reaching the commercial market.