What are the main drivers for developing alternatives in toxicology?
The development of alternatives in toxicology is largely motivated by a combination of ethical, scientific, and economic factors. Ethical concerns primarily revolve around the reduction of animal testing, which has been a cornerstone of toxicological research. With growing public awareness and pressure from advocacy groups, there is an increasing demand for more humane methods. Scientifically, traditional methods may not always provide the most relevant data for humans due to interspecies differences. Furthermore, traditional toxicology methods can be time-consuming and expensive, prompting a search for cost-effective and efficient alternatives.