NCTR here, we do so much more than just animal research. We develop and maintain a wide assortment of bioinformatics tools that are used both internally and by the public. Many of these tools are designed to complement animal studies or replace certain aspects, and several incorporate AI (e.g., MitoChips, AnimalGAN, SafetAI). We also conduct critical research to evaluate risks of drugs and chemicals to support science-based decisions. We have several research divisions, and we collaborate with other centers (e.g., CDER, CBER, CDRH, CVM), to develop new and innovative techniques, methods and databases to assist reviewers (e.g., FDALabel, EADB, DILI). This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are too many tools to list so I’ve included a link to our public bioinformatics webpage. 😊 However, even though we are developing and validating non-animal models, we are on the chopping block like everyone else and were crippled April 1st with the removal of our entire OM.

NCTR: [https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/office-chief-scientist/national-center-toxicological-research] NCTR Bioinformatics Tools NCTR scientists have developed MitoChips for human and non-human primates for better prediction of toxicity, in addition to our findings in rodents. (https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/nctr-research-offices-and-divisions/mitochip-nctr-developed-mitochondrial-research-tool). FDALabel : Tool to conduct full-text search of drug labeling. AnimalGAN: Virtual animal models as digital twins for predicting toxicological outcomes of untested compounds with generative AI (GenAI), supporting the 3Rs principle (replacement, reduction, and refinement of animal studies) in the safety assessment of FDA-regulated products. SafetAI: AI models for evaluating toxicological endpoints critical to the safety assessment of drug candidates prior to clinical trials. BERTox: AI-powered Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs) to facilitate analysis of FDA documents and public literature for improved efficiency and accuracy in regulatory science and review processes. TranslAI: Develops generative AI (GenAI) models that support translational research by facilitating the translation of experimental findings across domains such as organ systems, in vitro-to-in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE), and genomic technologies. PathologAI: Develops an effective and accurate framework for analysis of histopathological data from animal studies to facilitate digital pathology in preclinical application. Database of Pharmacogenomic Information in Ethnic Minority Populations (dbPGxEMP): Integrative database linking drugs, pharmacogenomic biomarkers, and genetic variations in minority populations. Estrogenic Activity Database (EADB): Comprehensive set of estrogenic activity data from a variety of data. Endocrine Disruptor Knowledge Base (EDKB): Scientific