Animal testing has been a cornerstone of bio and pharmaceutical research for decades, used to evaluate drug toxicity, efficacy, and safety. However, this approach is increasingly viewed as costly, ethically problematic, and limited in accurately predicting human biology. With 92% of drugs that pass animal-based preclinical tests failing to reach the market, the disconnect between animal models and clinical outcomes has become a significant obstacle in drug development investments.
In response to these challenges, Quantiphi, in collaboration with Transcell, has designed DART, an animal-free testing strategy. This innovative platform embodies the ethical principles of the 3Rs—Replacement, Reduction and Refinement—in animal testing, establishing a new standard for responsible drug development. By leveraging cutting-edge AI and human-relevant models, DART reduces reliance on animal testing while enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of preclinical trials, offering a path forward that is both ethical and scientifically superior.
Ethical Foundations: The 3Rs Framework
The principles of the 3Rs—Replacement, Reduction and Refinement—form the foundation of national and international regulations governing the use of animals in scientific studies. Here’s how DART embodies these principles to create a more humane and effective approach to drug development:
- Replacement: DART replaces animal testing with human-relevant models powered by stem cell technology and advanced AI simulations. These models replicate human biological responses with greater accuracy and relevance, providing clinical surrogate data for human clinical trials without relying on animals.
- Reduction: When animal testing is unavoidable, DART minimizes the number of animals needed by using AI-driven simulations to deliver precise insights into drug interactions, streamlining the testing process.
- Refinement: DART refines testing strategies with a focus on animal welfare. AI optimizations enable reducing the frequency of tests.
Inside DART: Key Technologies and Capabilities
DART isn't just another AI software—DART is a comprehensive solution that integrates human-relevant models with powerful AI tools to automate bioassay processes, making it ideal for pharmaceutical and biotech applications. It comprises two primary components:
- Human Microphysiological Systems (hMPS): Built with ethically sourced human stem cells and tissues configured to mimic human biological milieus, providing realistic simulations of human responses to drugs.
- AI-Driven Data Analysis: Advanced AI software analyzes complex biological data and generates real-time reports, enabling a continuous, automated testing process that integrates seamlessly with existing workflows.
DART is a fully customizable enterprise solution that eliminates the need for additional lab infrastructure and fits seamlessly into existing workflows. It decentralizes the testing process, promoting ethical, animal-free methods throughout the product development stages—from discovery to batch testing.
Operational and Financial Benefits of DART
DART offers significant operational and financial benefits to bio and pharmaceutical companies:
- Enhanced Accuracy: Animal models often fail to predict human outcomes, leading to inefficiencies and high failure rates for drugs advancing from preclinical stages to market. By leveraging human-relevant data, DART improves patient safety and reduces costly recalls and repeat tests.
- Accelerated Drug Discovery: Traditional testing is slow and often takes years. DART’s generative AI and Digital Twins technology reduce drug development timelines to months.
- Substantial Cost Savings: Animal testing incurs significant expenses, including the care of animals, maintenance of laboratory facilities, and cost of skilled technicians. DART’s human-based models and AI-driven analyses are more cost-effective, significantly reducing development expenses.
Partnering with Quantiphi for Responsible Innovation
DART is leading the bio and pharmaceutical industry towards a future where animal testing is no longer the standard. By embracing the 3Rs and aligning with regulatory frameworks like the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, DART sets new benchmarks for drug discovery with more accurate, cost-effective, and humane methods. Backed by Transcell’s breakthrough scientific innovation in animal-free testing strategy, Quantiphi, with strategic partnerships with technology leaders such as Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services, and NVIDIA, combined with its commitment to HIPAA compliance and ethical AI solutions, ensures that its practices are cutting-edge and compliant with industry standards.
Contact us to learn more about how we can propel your innovative pharmaceutical and life sciences solutions forward responsibly.
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