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Criticism has plagued data derived from immuno-analysis because of the frequently reported unreliable nature of animal-derived antibodies1,2. Polyclonals suffer from cross-reactivity, high background and batch-to-batch variability. The lack of specificity reported in monoclonals is partly attributed to genetic heterogeneity introduced during hybridoma generation and lack of sequence identification. The use of poorly characterized antibodies has a resounding impact in wasted cost, time and resources, and the repercussions on diagnosis and health management are immeasurable. Advances in recombinant technologies have emerged over the last few decades to engineer antibodies without the need for animal immunizations. Such methods capture the diversity characteristic of the natural immune system by replicating antibody genes from donor B cells or by using precisely designed synthetic gene sequences followed by yeast or phage display for selection of the antigen-specific antibodies. Yet despite calls for change, improved validation strategies and government investment in large development programs1,3,4, the dependence on animal-derived antibodies has not really changed. In all scientific sectors except therapeutics, where animal-free technologies are firmly established, scientists appear to accept the shortcomings of antibodies produced using animal immunizations. However, there is hope on the horizon now that the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre has released the much-anticipated Recommendations on Non-Animal-Derived Antibodies from the European Union (EU) Reference Laboratory for alternatives to animal testing (EURL ECVAM)4. These recommendations are supported by an in-depth scientific review and opinion on the “scientific validity of replacements for animal-derived antibodies” conducted by its Scientific Advisory Committee, both published as annexes to the recommendation. This publication will influence the future of antibody production in the EU and beyond through EU’s global network. EU policy abides by Directive 2010/63/ EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes, which prohibits the use of animals where alternative methods exist5. Concerning antibody generation, the requirements of the directive have, until now, been overlooked6. However, recent firming up of EU policy ensures that this cannot persist. A major impact on project license applications for animal immunization procedures is anticipated for monoclonal, polyclonal and immunized recombinant antibody production. Applications for animal use will have to be presented with robust justification. Given that antibodies are used in all life science disciplines, that the value of the global antibody market is greater than $1 billion annually (therapeutics excluded), and that the number of animals used in antibody generation in Europe alone is estimated at about one million per year, these guidelines are expected to have a broad impact from a commercial and academic perspective. As scientists move toward using advanced non-animal-derived methods for antibody generation, there will be a significant reduction in animal use. The quality of science and its resulting impact on society will improve because recombinant antibodies show high specificity, have a significantly expanded range of applications and are routinely sequenced, thus allowing fast and reliable identification and reproduction. Since regulatory authorities will apply the guidance in the Joint Research Centre’s report, the use of animal-derived antibodies in regulatory procedures such as diagnostics or safety testing, even when using animal-derived antibodies developed outside of Europe, will be discouraged. As a point of historical relevance, strict EU policy led to a well-established ban on animal testing for cosmetic purposes, which had an extensive impact on the cosmetics industry. This ban also applies to cosmetics imports from any country wishing to trade with Europe. Many countries outside of Europe followed suit by introducing their own restrictions. Similar approaches have seen in vitro methods for toxicity testing replace the use of animals in regulatory procedures, such as a battery of in vitro skin sensitization tests that replace the mouse local lymph node assay7. A similar impact of EU policy is anticipated for the future of antibody development and production. Outside Europe and in response to the EU report and recommendation, a strategy is already being planned by the US National Institutes of Health8. The use of animal-derived antibodies in regulatory toxicity procedures is also being addressed at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)9. A new era is upon us where neither the scientific nor ethical shortcomings of animal-derived antibodies need be tolerated any longer in the interest of a three-Rs principle for antibody production: rapid, reliable and reproducible science. A poignant and pertinent example of this is the rapid generation of animal-free human monoclonal antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 by biotech companies worldwide, in response to the urgent need for solutions to counteract the spread of the virus. While some groups rely on immunization strategies, others use non-animal approaches, including human B cells from convalescent patients or large pre-existing naive antibody libraries for phage, yeast or ribosome display, permitting the generation of antibodies in as little as four weeks10. ❐

Animal-derived-antibody generation faces strict reform in accordance with European Union policy on animal use