Analysis of non-technical project summaries (NTPS) of the year 2021 in Austria to identify gaps for replacement methods

Non-technical project summaries (NTPS) are easy understandable summaries of research projects involving animals. They are accessible for everyone
and should inform the general public about approved animal experiments. Besides information about objectives and the potential benefit of the study, they
must include considerations regarding the 3Rs. Since January 1 , 2021, NTPS are published in the EU database Animal use reporting EU System (ALURES).
To assess which replacement methods are already taken into account and to identify gaps in replacement methods, NTPS were extracted from ALURES.
After screening the database, 126 NTPS from Austria from the year 2021 were included in this pilot study. The following sections of NTPS have been
reviewed: species, planned number of animals, estimated severity level, survival, target group, purpose(s) of the project, aim of the animal experiment.
Additionally, information regarding replacement was extracted. The sections target group, purpose(s) (equates to special field) and aim of the project as
well as type of replacement and reasons for absent replacement were defined and categorized for further quantitative analysis.
Our results showed that most studies are conducted in the field of “basic research” and aim to benefit “patients”. One third of the project leaders
mentioned employing non-animal methods within their projects, whereas cell culture, human stem cells and embryos are the most common methods. The
most common answer for denied replacement was “lack of systemic and cellular complexity”.
Further analysis to assess trends in the use of alternatives in Austria over the years are planned.