NIH Launches Office to Advance Human-Based Research and Reduce Animal Testing

Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced the formation of the Office of Research Innovation, Validation, and Application (ORIVA) to accelerate the adoption of human-based research technologies. ORIVA aims to develop, validate, and scale methodologies that do not rely on animal use, such as 3D human tissue models and computational tools better suited to reflect human biology.

According to NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya, complex computational models and emerging technologies have advanced significantly, offering more effective research approaches. ORIVA will strategically leverage these tools to further innovation in biomedical research.

While traditional animal models have contributed significantly to scientific knowledge and treatment development, differences between animals and humans may limit the translation of findings. New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) offer researchers alternative tools that can be more replicable, translatable, and efficient for studying human health and disease, helping to reduce animal use where appropriate.

ORIVA is housed within the NIH Office of the Director’s Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives. It will operate two main divisions: one to support innovation in the research community through funding, infrastructure, and training; and another to coordinate multi-agency efforts to facilitate evaluation and regulatory acceptance of new research methods.

Nicole Kleinstreuer, NIH Deputy Director for Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives, stated that NIH is committed to accelerating innovation and transparently assessing opportunities to reduce or eliminate animal use by advancing NAMs. The office's goal is to drive foundational changes in the scientific landscape to improve human health outcomes.