Unlocking The Promise Of NAMs

By Bob Moyer, Battelle Research Leader

New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) are reaching a pivotal moment. Once viewed as emerging alternatives to animal models, they are now a diverse, rapidly maturing ecosystem of in vitro systems, microphysiological platforms, and computational tools shaping how safety, efficacy, and risk are evaluated. The real challenge today is no longer technological availability, but practical application. Progress depends on selecting methods that are fit for purpose, integrating data across platforms, and translating complex biological outputs into evidence that supports confident regulatory and development decisions.

Human-relevant models offer earlier insight into toxicity mechanisms, reduce late-stage failures, and help organizations make smarter decisions sooner—while aligning with growing ethical expectations to reduce animal testing. Yet with hundreds of NAM options available, poor model selection or weak integration can undermine confidence rather than build it. Success requires rigor, reproducibility, and a clear understanding of context of use.

For teams navigating this complexity, the focus must shift from individual technologies to decision-driven strategies that align science, regulation, and real-world constraints. Explore the full piece to learn how NAMs can move from promise into everyday practice.