FDA to pilot AI-based animal testing alternatives for drug approvals

The Food and Drug Administration hopes to accelerate pharmaceutical development and cut drug prices by advancing artificial intelligence and other alternatives to animal testing in drug development, beginning with a pilot program for monoclonal antibodies, the agency said April 10, Inside Health Policy reported.

While the initial step is relatively modest, the commitment marks a major policy departure for FDA, where officials had previously said alternatives to animal testing weren’t advanced enough for a full transition.

FDA Commissioner Marty...