WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The National Institutes of Health has launched a new office aimed at speeding up the use of human-based research methods and reducing reliance on animal testing in biomedical studies.
NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya announced the creation of the Office of Research Innovation, Validation, and Application, or ORIVA, on June 15. The new office will lead agency-wide efforts to develop and expand modern research tools that better reflect human biology. As a result, NIH hopes to improve scientific discoveries while reducing the need for animal models. Bhattacharya said recent advances in technology have created new opportunities for researchers. He noted that complex computer models, 3D human tissue systems, and other emerging tools have improved significantly in recent years. Therefore, NIH plans to invest more heavily in these approaches to strengthen biomedical research.
“Complex computational models, 3D human tissue models, and other emerging technologies have improved by leaps and bounds in recent years and may hold the key to a more effective research enterprise,” Bhattacharya said.
The launch of ORIVA follows a strategy that NIH first outlined in April 2025. At that time, the agency announced plans to prioritize human-based research technologies as part of a broader effort to modernize biomedical science. Since then, NIH has pledged to increase support for alternatives to animal testing, involve experts in new technologies during grant reviews, and track spending on both animal-based and human-focused research. The move reflects a growing shift across the federal government. Regulators, scientists, and research institutions have increasingly explored alternatives to animal testing. These methods include organoids, organ-on-a-chip systems, advanced computational modeling, and artificial intelligence. Researchers believe these technologies can provide results that more closely match human biology.
For decades, animal studies have played a major role in scientific discovery and drug development. Many important medical advances emerged from research involving animals. However, scientists have also recognized important limitations. Biological differences between animals and humans can sometimes prevent research findings from translating successfully into treatments for people. This challenge has become especially clear in complex diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. In many cases, treatments that showed promise in animal studies failed to produce the same results in human clinical trials. Consequently, researchers have continued searching for methods that can better predict how treatments will work in people.
NIH officials say ORIVA will help accelerate that transition. The office will support the development, validation, and adoption of New Approach Methodologies, commonly known as NAMs. These methods include laboratory-grown human tissues, organoids that mimic human organs, advanced computer simulations, and other animal-free technologies. Nicole Kleinstreuer, who will help lead the effort, said NIH remains committed to encouraging innovation while carefully evaluating where animal use can be reduced or eliminated. She said the agency wants to create lasting change across the scientific community and improve outcomes for human health.
“NIH is committed to accelerating innovation and transparently assessing where animal use can be reduced or eliminated by transitioning to NAMs,” Kleinstreuer said.
ORIVA will operate within the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives in the NIH Office of the Director. The office will serve as a central hub for collaboration among government agencies, researchers, and regulators. In addition, ORIVA will oversee efforts related to research funding, infrastructure development, and workforce training. The office will also work with other federal agencies to evaluate new research methods and support their broader acceptance in regulatory processes.
