Drug Developers to Reduce Animal Testing With AI

AI to replace animal testing in drug production

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a plan in April to phase out animal testing in monoclonal antibodies and other drug production. As a result, many drug companies have increased their use of AI for testing. Eleven experts have weighed in on the matter, stating that reducing animal testing and utilizing AI will cut costs and timelines in half in the next three to five years. Biotech companies, such as Recursion Pharmaceuticals and Schrodinger, have adopted AI technologies and have seen a decrease in testing time, with Recursion claiming that AI helped move a molecule into clinical testing in just 18 months. While AI-based drug discovery platforms are significantly helping reduce reliance on animal testing, experts warn that animal-based testing will likely never be entirely replaced. Corporations can also utilize AI tools to reach ESG goals.

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Further reading: AI-driven drug discovery picks up as FDA pushes to reduce animal testing

European Parliament’s Socialist group pushes back on Trump trade deal

The European Socialists, the second-biggest party in the European Parliament, have publicly stated that they do not support the trade agreement made between the U.S. and the EU back in July. President of the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group, Iratxe García Pérez, told Politico that the group firmly opposes the agreement, saying, “Trump will exploit any sign of weakness to escalate the trade war.” This opposition puts Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a difficult position as she needs a majority to enact the current tariff truce. Teresa Ribera, the executive vice-president of the Commission, has also expressed doubts about the deal, telling the Financial Times that the EU should be prepared to walk away if Trump follows through on his digital tariff threats.  

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Further reading: European Socialists mobilize against Trump’s trade deal

Exxon sues California attorney general over defamation

In September of 2024, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and four nonprofit groups filed lawsuits against Exxon over false plastic recycling claims. Bonta accused the oil giant of deceiving California residents through “promising that recycling could and would solve the ever-growing plastic waste crisis.” Now, Exxon is countersuing both the nonprofits and the state’s attorney general for defamation. The oil giant argues that these legal attacks aim to damage its Texas-based recycling operations. The lawsuits raise questions about free speech, state authority, and corporate accountability. Legal expert and professor Paul Nolette claimed that Exxon’s moves could be a tactic to discourage other states from bringing plastics-related litigation to the courthouses.

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Further reading: Exxon and California Spar in Dueling Lawsuits Over Plastics

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EU to send €1 million in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan

On Sunday, a magnitude 6 earthquake hit Afghanistan, killing over 1,400 people and destroying more than 5,000 homes. The European Commission released a statement Tuesday pledging €1 million in humanitarian aid for the affected provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar. Additionally, the EU will send the equivalent of 130 tonnes of relief supplies, including medical supplies, clothing, and tents. Hadja Lahbib, the Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, said, “As this new earthquake in Afghanistan puts additional strain on an already dire humanitarian situation, the EU is stepping in to help. This aid package will bring much-needed immediate relief to people in the affected areas.” 

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Further reading: EU donates €1 million in humanitarian funding and 130 tonnes of in-kind assistance in response to the earthquake in Afghanistan

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — In the Cover Photo: A scientist prepares a cancer vaccine. Cover Photo Credit: National Cancer Institute