CVR - Coronavirus Vaccines R&D Roadmap

Milestone
4.1.a

In vitro and organoid models

In progress

Develop harmonized guidelines regarding the need for animal model and human challenge study data versus in vitro and organoid model data in coronavirus vaccine research.

Progress Highlights

The FDA launched the “New Alternative Methods” program in 2023 to qualify human-relevant in vitro assays (e.g. organoids, organs-on-chips) for safety testing and to give clear guidance on their use in place of animal data.

The EMA published a concept paper in 2024 that proposes updating EMA guidelines to include specific regulatory acceptance criteria for microphysiological systems (MPS) and organ-on-chip models

In 2025, the WHO drafted guidelines that promote removing animal tests that are unfit or redundant and replacing in vivo adventitious-agent/HA/HAI assays with molecular methods like PCR and high-throughput sequencing.