The FDA Modernization Act 2.0 should make it easier for companies to gain regulatory authorization using non-traditional testing methods, like organs-on-a-chip. But biopharma will need to make the leap into technology to help build knowledge and data if the drug development world is to move away from animal testing entirely. 

Alternative approaches to animal models, such as improved tests based on human and animal cells, provide opportunities to develop better and more predictive scientific tools, the European Medicines Agency says.

The European Commission’s proposals to overhaul the EU pharma legislation, which will see some orphan drug incentives cut, would cause a “significant dip in innovation,” according to number crunching from pharma industry association EFPIA.