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Certara Study Shows Half of Americans Unaware of FDA/NIH Move to Phase Out Animal Testing of New Drugs

As regulators phase out animal testing, biosimulation and AI emerge as the future of drug development 

RADNOR, PA – November 12, 2025 – Certara, Inc. (Nasdaq: CERT), a global leader in model-informed drug development, today released new survey findings showing that half of Americans are unaware of recent FDA and NIH plans to phase out animal testing for certain types of drugs. As regulators accelerate the shift toward next-generation tools like biosimulation and AI, the data reveal both increasing openness to alternatives and a persistent gap in public understanding.

Fifty-nine percent of Americans say animal testing is unethical, with Gen Z showing the highest opposition (72%). In addition, skepticism about new tools persists: 23% said AI could make drugs safer and another 23% said it could speed development, while nearly half believe AI is not ready or should never be used. The findings underscore the need for education and trust-building, as pharma accelerates its shift to more innovative, animal-free testing practices.

“Most consumers say testing medicines on animals is unethical, but they also believe it is the only way to ensure safety and efficacy,” said William F. Feehery, CEO. “Certara has been developing new approach methodologies (NAMs) like biosimulation for 25 years, and these tools are now being adopted globally. NAMs not only reduce reliance on animal models but also enable faster, safer, and more ethical development of new therapies.”

Key findings from the study:

Awareness lags behind regulation

  • 50% of consumers had no knowledge of FDA/NIH plans to phase out animal testing, underscoring limited awareness of a major policy shift.
  • Awareness is higher among Gen Z (62%) than Boomers (36%), yet awareness does not always equal support.
  • Once informed, 72% said they would take a drug not tested on animals, while 28% would not.

Cultural views reveal deep contradictions

  • 59% of consumers believe animal testing is unethical, yet 28% say they would refuse medicines developed without it, underscoring a continued reliance on animal testing as a proven standard.
  • Women are more likely than men to say animal testing is unethical (68% vs. 49%).
  • 25% say animal testing is unethical while 26% say it makes medicines safer

Generational differences shape priorities and trust.

  • Safety is the top priority for Boomers (69%), while only 46% of Gen Z say the same.
  • Gen Z is the most likely to trust AI over animal models (58%) and values speed to market far more than boomers (30% vs. 2%)
  • Younger groups are more skeptical to take drugs not tested on animals, with Gen Z (37%) saying they wouldn’t take them vs. only 18% of Boomers.

“Animal testing has long been how the public learns to trust that new medicines are safe and effective,” said Joshua Apgar, VP and Head of QSP Software. “The survey data reveal a critical education gap around next-generation approaches. Closing that trust gap will be essential, and it begins by ensuring transparency and communication about how alternative methods like biosimulation already provide the rigorous evidence regulators require.”

As regulators, industry, and the public align on reducing animal testing in drug development, AI-enabled biosimulation is helping shape the future of safe, ethical, and efficient drug development. To learn more about Certara’s alternatives to animal testing and how its Non-Animal Navigator solution helps to reduce, refine, or replace animal studies, visit https://www.certara.com/solutions/non-animal-navigator/.

Survey Methodology

The survey was commissioned by Certara and conducted by Dynata, the world’s largest first-party data company. The survey was conducted in September 2025 among 1,000 U.S. consumers 18 years and older to understand the consumer sentiment on animal testing in pharmaceutical development and delivery.

About Certara

Certara accelerates medicines using proprietary biosimulation software, technology and services to transform traditional drug discovery and development. Its clients include more than 2,400 biopharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and regulatory agencies across 70 countries. Visit us at www.certara.com. 

Certara contact:

Sheila Rocchio
[email protected]

Media contact:

Alyssa Horowitz
[email protected]

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