HEARTS Act Aims to Cut Animal Testing, Boosts Research Alternatives with New NIH Center Starting 2026

The "Humane and Existing Alternatives in Research and Testing Sciences Act of 2025," or HEARTS Act, is pushing to significantly reduce the use of animals in federally funded research. The bill mandates the creation of a National Center for Alternatives to Animals in Research and Testing within the NIH, tasked with developing, promoting, and funding research methods that don't rely on animals. This includes things like advanced cell cultures, 3D organoids, and artificial intelligence (SEC. 4).

Shifting Research Gears

The HEARTS Act isn't just about setting up a new center; it's about changing how research is done. The bill requires researchers to fully evaluate non-animal methods before using animals, and proposals will even be reviewed by a non-animal research expert (SEC. 3). Think of it like this: if you're a scientist applying for NIH funding, you'll need to prove you've seriously considered alternatives before getting approval for animal-based research. This could mean a shift towards using human cell-based models, potentially leading to more relevant results for human health.

Tracking and Reducing Animal Use

Starting two years after enactment, any institution receiving federal funds for research involving animals will have to publicly report the number and species of animals used, and even those bred or acquired for research (SEC. 5). This data will be updated every two years, along with a plan to further reduce animal use. For example, a university lab might report using 100 mice in 2027, and then outline a plan to reduce that number to 50 by 2029 by adopting new in vitro (cell-based) testing methods. This increased transparency will make it easier to track progress and hold institutions accountable.

Real-World Implications and Challenges

The HEARTS Act acknowledges that a significant portion of drugs that seem promising in animal studies fail in human trials (SEC. 2). By focusing on human biology-based alternatives, the bill aims to improve the success rate of medical research, potentially leading to faster and more effective treatments. The bill defines "animal" broadly, including any live, nonhuman vertebrate or cephalopod (SEC. 5). However, the success of this Act hinges on how "scientifically satisfactory non-animal method" is interpreted (SEC. 3). It will be crucial to ensure that researchers can't easily bypass the requirement to prioritize alternatives. Overall, this is a step towards more humane and potentially more effective research practices.