The journey from the lab to practical application is complex. As a result, many promising animal-free innovations often fail to reach implementation. To change this, ZonMw launched the NAM Navigator on April 3rd: a practical online guide that provides insight into the path an animal-free model takes from development to implementation.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n *NAM: New Approach Methodology. NAMs are scientific models, such as organoids and organs-on-chips, based on human cells.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> The NAM Navigator is an interactive online tool<\/strong> that shows step-by-step how an animal-free model (like an organ-on-chip or organoid) progresses from development to regulatory acceptance. It\u2019s useful for anyone working on human-focused innovations without<\/em> animal testing. The tool highlights both opportunities and common obstacles.<\/p>\n ZonMw launched the Navigator on April 3rd to accelerate the transition to animal-free innovation \u2014 something that\u2019s urgently needed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> There\u2019s already a huge amount happening worldwide in animal-free innovation. A lot of valuable information is out there, but it\u2019s scattered across various websites, papers, and platforms from different organizations and researchers.<\/p>\n What\u2019s missing is one central place where all of it can be easily accessed. That\u2019s exactly why the NAM Navigator was developed. It\u2019s a hub for information on how to validate animal-free models and how they can be integrated into laws and regulations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> In short, the NAM Navigator helps scientists, policymakers, and regulatory bodies to:<\/p>\n Gain a better understanding of the steps needed for validation and implementation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Consolidate existing knowledge<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Lower barriers to broader acceptance of NAMs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n The end goal: human-relevant research models that make a real difference \u2014 without<\/em> animal testing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> The discovery or publication of an animal-free study is not the final stop. The journey continues: alternatives must be standardized and validated before they\u2019re accepted by regulatory authorities and can be put to use.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Validation, though essential, is a demanding and complex process. Without recognized validation, even the most promising organoids or organ-on-chips remain stuck in research. Yet we know human-based models often offer better predictive value than traditional animal testing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> If we truly want science to take the human body as its starting point, choosing human-relevant models is the logical step. This requires systemic change\u2014exactly what the NAM Navigator aims to drive.<\/p>\n This knowledge base is a tool that:<\/p>\n Provides clarity in the complex world of NAMs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Accelerates the path to acceptance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Contributes to replacing animal testing in safety research and drug development<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Whether you\u2019re developing an animal-free model or just curious about what\u2019s available, the NAM Navigator offers insight, direction, and opportunity. Discover how you can help shape the next step in science that benefits both people and<\/em> animals.<\/p>\n Source:<\/span> ZonMw<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>The\u00a0NAM Navigator: one tool, clear overview<\/h2>\n<\/div>
Why this tool is essential for researchers and policymakers<\/h2>\n<\/div>
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<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>The path from lab to policy is not a straight line<\/h2>\n<\/div>
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<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>The system must change too<\/h2>\n<\/div>
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Take the next step \u2013 start with the NAM Navigator<\/h2>\n<\/div>