In this episode of the GlobalData Healthcare podcast, Annabel Kartal-Allen chats with Charles River Laboratories' CVP and Chief Scientific Officer for Safety Assessment, Steve Bulera about the current state of the alternative testing sector, the up-and-coming varieties and the hurdles the industry must overcome to implement these technologies on a large scale.

In the world of toxicology, animal testing has been the gold standard for centuries. However, the tides appear to be turning, as major regulatory agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) are now pushing for the use of alternative testing assays over traditional animal testing methodologies.

Meanwhile, the industry is working to create innovative testing technologies like organoids, 3D and organ-on-a-chip models, which are beginning to change the way the pharmaceutical industry approaches preclinical development.

Though they are set to have a profound impact on early drug development, Steve notes that there are range of hurdles that must be overcome to ensure the widespread and effective implementation of alternative testing models.

Note: Bulera's title has been changed from Head of GLBL Toxicology to CVP and Chief Scientific Officer for Safety Assessment at Charles River.