Our review will focus on non-animal models being used in research on respiratory tract diseases, while a parallel review is under way for neurodegenerative disorders.
Project aims
The expectation is that by understanding and sharing information on successful use-cases of alternative methods in biomedical research, the transition towards non-animal approaches can be better facilitated and potentially accelerated. Specific aims include:
1. Compiling available and emerging non-animal models in respiratory tract disease research and describing specific research contexts where animal models have been put aside in favor of novel non-animal techniques that employ, e.g., in vitro methods based on human cells and engineered tissues or in silico approaches employing computer modelling and simulation
The reviews are expected to be completed during 2019, and thereafter the information gathered will be made publicly available.
You can help!
We are interested in hearing from respiratory researchers worldwide regarding their use of in vitro or in silico models, models using ex vivo human samples, organoids, microphysiological systems, two- and three-dimensional culture systems with cell lines or human primary cells, etc. Specifically, we would like to know:
• Which methods/models are you currently using?
• Which respiratory diseases are you investigating?
• Are there developments in the field that you consider will improve the utility of the applications, or predictivity of the models?
Please contact us at jrc-resp@ecomole.com if you are aware of non-animal models and methods being used in research on respiratory tract diseases that should be included in our review.
