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New Approach Methodologies: Complement Animal Research In Experimentation (ARIE)

Read the full article: Complement-ARIE: Catalyzing the development and adoption of new approach methodologies DirectScience.com.

Abstract:

NAM journal coverNew approach methodologies (NAMs) are proving to be invaluable tools in basic and clinical research to better understand human health and disease, elucidate mechanisms, and study the efficacy and toxicity of novel therapeutics that can improve upon and complement animal-based methodologies.

Over the last 15 years, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has increased investment in NAMs, including in chemico, in silico, and in vitro approaches, such as cell-free assay systems, digital twins, and microphysiological systems (MPS). To further catalyze and innovate the use of NAMs, the NIH Common Fund has initiated a new program, Complement Animal Research In Experimentation (Complement-ARIE), which aims to pioneer the development, standardization, validation, and regulatory use of combinatorial NAMs that will more accurately model human biology and disease states.

This program specifically aims to 1) better model human health and disease differences in outcomes across populations, 2) develop NAMs that can provide insights into specific biological processes or disease states, 3) validate mature NAMs to support regulatory use and standardization, and 4) complement traditional animal models to make research more efficient and effective.

To inform the implementation of Complement-ARIE, the NIH organized strategic planning activities including an inter-agency retreat, public listening sessions, scientific literature landscape analysis, and a challenge prize. Here we discuss the goals and findings of these activities, and how these results helped identify and address scientific and operational opportunities and roadblocks for implementation of the program towards broader acceptance and impact of NAMs. We anticipate these new methods and approaches could transform the way we do basic, translational, and clinical sciences.

3D-printed device advances human tissue modeling

Stomp device
Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine
The tiny Suspended Tissue Open Microfluidic Patterning, or STOMP device, for tissue engineering studies.

The device is small enough to fit on a fingertip and can work with existing tissue-engineering technology.

A new, easily adopted, 3D-printed device will enable scientists to create models of human tissue with even greater control and complexity. An interdisciplinary group of researchers at UW Medicine and the University of Washington led the development of the device.
3D tissue engineering, which recently has undergone other major advances in speed and accuracy, helps biomedical researchers design and test therapies for a range of diseases.

One goal of tissue engineering is to create lab-made environments that recreate the natural habitats of cells.

Read the full article…

Brain Computer Interface with Scott Imbrie

In this video, Scott Imbrie shares his experience being part of a study on spinal cord injuries and the use of brain computer interfaces. These important components were developed with academic researchers who first created the technology working with non-human primates.

Please note, this video contains content that includes photos of living brain and surgical appliances.

2024 3Rs Symposium

Thursday, November 21, 2024
11:30am PST – 2:00pm PST
Location: HUB 214 + zoom option.
3Rs Symposium

Join us for an engaging session with Dr. Lisa Levin, a leading advocate for the 3Rs: replacement, reduction, and refinement. Dr. Levin will discuss key steps in promoting the adoption of non-animal research models.

The event will also feature lighting talks by the 2024 3Rs Pilot Award recipients, showcasing their innovative work in advancing the 3Rs principles.

This event is open to the UW community and the public. Registration is required. A free networking lunch will be provided (limited to the first 40 attendees; registration for lunch is now full).

Register today to attend this session.

Learn more

The 3rs Centre Utrecht

This animation of the 3Rs Centre Utrecht shows the differences, but also the similarities, between the 3Rs approach and the NAMs approach.

August 22 Webinar: “Making the 3Rs More Than a Checkbox” Presented by Dr. Sally Thompson-Iritani

Dr Sally Thompson Iritani
Dr. Sally Thompson-Iritani

Thursday, August 22, 2024
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM  Pacific Time.

On Thursday, August 22, the Allentown educational webinar will feature guest presenter, Dr. Thompson-Iritani serves as AVP, Animal Care, Outreach, & 3Rs at the University of Washington (UW).

The 3Rs—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement—are fundamental principles in animal research aimed at enhancing ethical standards and scientific quality. However, their implementation often becomes a perfunctory task, failing to fully realize their potential.

UW challenged themselves to make the 3Rs more than a checkbox through strategic initiatives. Key approaches included fostering a culture of ethical responsibility, enhancing awareness, providing pilot funding for 3Rs-focused initiatives, and partnering with the 3Rs Collaborative (3RsC).

By prioritizing innovative methodologies and technologies, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensuring transparent communication of 3R advancements, UW researchers are working together to significantly improve animal welfare and research outcomes.

The goal is to embed the 3Rs into the scientific ethos, making them a continuous and dynamic process that enhances both ethical standards and scientific integrity. This commitment is leading to a transformative impact, positioning UW as a leader in ethical animal research practices.

Attend this session to gain valuable insights and discover practical strategies to empower your organization to embrace the 3Rs, ultimately enhancing animal welfare, improving research outcomes, and positioning you at the forefront of ethical research practices.

Cindy A. Buckmaster, PhD, CMAR, RLATG, will moderate this session.

This webinar meets AALAS and CALAS requirements for 1.00 hour of Continuing Education (CE) and may be used elsewhere where accepted.

Register for the Webinar.

Registration for this event will close at 5:00 PM Eastern on Wednesday, August 21.

Learn about other webinars hosted by Allentown.

NCATS Tissue Chips in Space-The UW Kidney Chip Experiences

In this “Behind the Papers” post, Edward Kelly, Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics, describes the challenges faced to modify the kidney MPS perfusion system from a terrestrial lab to the ISS-NL for two successful launches in 2019 (CRS-17) and 2022 (CRS-22) as well as the experimental results from CRS-17.

Read the Post

Changes to WaNPRC protocols, procedures following recent incidents

The University of Washington’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) was informed on Thursday of recent incidents at the Washington National Primate Research Center (WaNPRC), which have prompted changes to protocols and procedures to ensure high standards of animal welfare and research integrity.

  1. Pausing of incoming shipments – As of May, incoming shipments of non-human primates were paused after an April 25 shipment of four geriatric pig-tail macaques raised compliance concerns. Issues included unlisted source institutions, prior surgery on an animal that was not described in protocols, and non-compliance with shipping standard operating procedures. These concerns prompted a thorough review by a high-level animal care leadership team. Immediate actions included halting shipments, enhancing standard operating procedures with better documentation and real-time monitoring, and clarifying primary investigator protocol approval requirements. Despite procedural issues, the transport care was adequate. One geriatric macaque was euthanized due to health condition and decline after arrival. Veterinary staff were not able to identify any evidence that the shipping caused the animal’s condition.
  2. Water withholding incident (November 2022): An animal inadvertently had water withheld for over 24 hours and improvements were made in water provision documentation. This was reported to the IACUC at the time of the initial occurrence. The animal later developed acute interstitial nephritis. We cannot definitively say that withholding water in 2022 directly caused this animal’s chronic kidney pathology but felt that it was important to notify the IACUC of the animal’s current condition. The animal remains on ad-lib water to prevent further complications.
  3. Intracranial injection complications (August 2023): A 22-year-old macaque experienced complications during intracranial injections. Upon recovery from the procedure the animal was treated for a grand mal seizure and partial paralysis. After a recovery period the animal was approved for a second surgery which was performed without incident, but the macaque did not revive from anesthesia and was euthanized. Necropsy revealed significant hemorrhage likely secondary to the injections. This was consistent with the IACUC protocol, identifying bleeding as a potential rare risk of the procedure. These incidents were reported to the attending veterinarian by WaNPRC veterinary staff in May 2024. It is unclear why there was a delay in reporting this incident to the IACUC or the attending veterinarian, who acknowledged that the complications and severity of the outcome from the first procedure warranted immediate notification to the IACUC.

The UW is committed to transparency and accountability in the use and care of animals for academic research, and is developing clearer guidelines, enhancing oversight, and continually evaluating practices to ensure compliance and animal welfare. The IACUC was apprised of these incidents, and they will continue to be updated as other investigations proceed. Each of these incidents has been reported to the appropriate regulatory authorities.

The Washington National Primate Research Center (WaNPRC) is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge while ensuring the ethical and humane treatment of non-human primates in research. Our mission is to foster innovative research and maintain the highest standards of animal welfare.

For more information about the Animal Care Program at the UW, visit the Animal Care, Outreach, and 3Rs Program (ACO3Rs) website.

Mice support scientific advances

Learn more about the work of the Cancer Vaccine Institute – a translational lab developing cancer and autoimmunity vaccines. Denise Cecil, Ph.D. talks about the work of the lab and their use of mice in their studies.