Note: ADAV’s position is that researchers and peer review committees should be compelled to search the research databases and other resources included in this list when developing or approving protocols.
Grant Opportunity through BCFNAR
BC Foundation for Non-Animal Research (BCFNAR) offers grants for research based on non-animal methods. They accept applications each year between January 1st and April 30th. Successful applicants are notified in April. For more information and to apply, visit their site at: https://bcfnar.ca/
Certara’s Non-Animal Navigator Tool
Certara Launches Non-Animal Navigator Solution to Help Drug Developers Reduce Reliance on Animal Testing. Press release: April 14th, 2025. You’ll find the tool at: https://www.certara.com/solutions/non-animal-navigator/
List of Databases & Other Resources that Cover Research Based on Alternatives to Animal Models as Listed by Perplexity
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/is-there-a-database-that-cover-0aJK3b9aQVCUNHEFIa60lw
Key Databases and Resources:
- Non-Animal Technologies Database (NAT):
This is a free, publicly available database dedicated to modern non-animal research methods across biomedicine and life sciences. NAT includes in vitro methods, computer models, and other human-based approaches, with each entry summarizing the method, its development, contact details, and sources (primarily scientific publications). It is regularly updated and intended for scientists, regulatory authorities, policymakers, and the public1. - EURL ECVAM Knowledge Bases (European Union Reference Laboratory for alternatives to animal testing):
EURL ECVAM has created freely available knowledge bases cataloging hundreds of advanced non-animal models in various disease areas (e.g., breast cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, immuno-oncology). These resources summarize the state of the art in non-animal biomedical research and are updated with systematic reviews of the scientific literature2. - ALTBIB:
A resource for alternatives to the use of live vertebrates in biomedical research and testing, providing bibliographies and links to relevant literature and databases3. - AnimAlt-ZEBET:
A database on alternative methods to animal experiments, particularly in toxicology and biomedical research3. - DB-ALM (Database on Alternative Methods):
Provides factual and evaluated data sheets on advanced non-animal test development and validation, especially for toxicology assessments3. - NORINA:
Focuses on audiovisual aids and other alternatives or supplements to animal use in teaching and training3. - NIH RePORTER and CRIS:
While not exclusively focused on alternatives, these databases of federally funded research projects can be searched for projects using non-animal models3.
Additional Resources and Guidance:
- The National Agricultural Library (USDA) and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) provide extensive guidance on searching for 3Rs alternatives, including recommended databases and search strategies456.
- Many university libraries (e.g., Duke, Wisconsin) maintain curated lists and guides to databases and literature on alternatives to animal use in research73.
Summary Table
| Database/Resource | Focus Area | Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAT | Non-animal technologies in biomedicine | Free | Human-based, in vitro, in silico methods |
| EURL ECVAM Knowledge Base | Disease-specific non-animal models | Free | Systematic reviews, hundreds of models catalogued |
| ALTBIB | Alternatives in biomedical research | Free | Bibliographies, links to literature |
| AnimAlt-ZEBET | Alternative methods in toxicology, biomed | Free | Evaluated methods |
| DB-ALM | Advanced non-animal test methods | Free | Data sheets on method development, validation |
| NORINA | Teaching/training alternatives | Free | Audiovisual aids, supplements |
| NIH RePORTER, CRIS | Federally funded research | Free | Searchable for non-animal research projects |
Conclusion
Yes, there are multiple databases specifically covering medical research based on alternatives to animal models. The most comprehensive and up-to-date include the Non-Animal Technologies Database (NAT), EURL ECVAM knowledge bases, and several others dedicated to cataloging and supporting the development and adoption of non-animal research methods in the biomedical sciences132.
Other Resources:
Rise for Animals puts out an electronic newsletter that regularly covers innovations in alternatives to animal research. You can sign up for their newsletter at: https://riseforanimals.org/