Westminster Health Forum

The Westminster Health Forum is an engaging online conference dedicated to exploring the transition to non-animal methods (NAMs) in science and regulation within the UK. The conference aims to facilitate discussions on the implementation of the UK Government's strategy for replacing animals in scientific research, focusing on various critical aspects such as evidence standards, funding, regulatory coordination, and animal welfare. This event will gather stakeholders and policymakers to evaluate the priorities and practicalities necessary for accelerating the adoption of NAMs while ensuring confidence in patient safety and maintaining scientific standards.Key topics of discussion will include an assessment of the proposed governance and delivery framework, which encompasses the establishment of the Alternative Methods Committee and cross-government coordination. Delegates will delve into the implications of research funding and regulatory practices, particularly focusing on the role of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency's (MHRA) new early access scheme. The conference will address challenges faced by smaller companies and academic institutions regarding high validation costs and uneven access to necessary infrastructure. Innovations in technologies like AI-enabled modeling, organ-on-a-chip systems, and 3D bioprinting will be examined, alongside demand-side incentives critical for the procurement and adoption of NAMs across various settings.The event will also emphasize workforce capability and training, discussing the skills required in research, regulation, and commercialization as NAM usage expands. Attendees will have the opportunity to share insights on the MHRA's early access scheme and explore pathways for scaling NAMs, including validation processes and regulatory acceptance. The establishment of the UK Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods and the allocation of £75 million for a national translational models hub will be crucial topics, with participants considering strategies for improving coordination among regulatory bodies and enhancing consistency in validation and acceptance processes. Furthermore, discussions will focus on aligning UK guidelines with international standards and the necessity for earlier engagement between developers, industry, and regulators, especially in areas where some animal data may still be required.The conference will also explore the operational and financial implications of transitioning to NAMs, including the costs associated with maintaining both animal and non-animal systems during this period. Additionally, topics surrounding the Animal Scientific Procedures Act (ASPA) licensing will be addressed, alongside the evolving expectations for evidence of no viable alternatives. The agenda will include discussions on accountability mechanisms, departmental responsibilities, and the role of publishers and learned societies in fostering acceptance of NAMs. Lastly, the conference will assess how the UK can position itself competitively on the international stage in light of NAM developments in other jurisdictions, such as the United States, while emphasizing the importance of public engagement and transparency to maintain confidence among researchers, patients, and animal welfare organizations. Notable speakers at the event include William Reynolds, Steve Race MP, Kirk Leech, Irene Campbell MP, and Dr. Tomasz Kostrzewski, contributing to a comprehensive dialogue on the future of non-animal methods in science.