073: Beyond Animal Testing: How Human-Based Research Is Changing Science with Meredith Blanchard

Why do an estimated 95% of drugs that pass animal testing fail in human clinical trials? If animal experimentation often produces poor results for people, why is it still widely used in medical research? In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Cheryl Moss speaks with Meredith Blanchard, Senior Manager of Advocacy and Policy at the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS), about the science, ethics, and future of replacing animal testing with human-based research methods. Meredith explains why animal models frequently fail to predict human outcomes and discusses innovative alternatives that are already transforming biomedical research. These include organ-on-a-chip technology, organoids, artificial intelligence, computational modeling, and other human-relevant research methods designed to improve both scientific accuracy and animal welfare. The conversation also explores why change has been slow despite advances in technology, how legislation and public policy can accelerate the transition away from animal experimentation, and what individuals can do to support more humane, effective science. Whether you care about ending animal cruelty, improving medical research, or advancing innovative scientific methods, this episode provides valuable insight into one of the most important shifts happening in modern medicine. Listen now: https://BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/073-meredith-blanchard Topics discussed include: • Why animal testing continues despite its limitations • The 95% failure rate of drugs that pass animal tests • Human-based research methods and non-animal testing alternatives • Organ-on-a-chip technology and organoids • Artificial intelligence in medical research • The role of the National Anti-Vivisection Society • Humane science and biomedical innovation • Legislative efforts to reduce animal experimentation • How students, parents, scientists, and advocates can help end animal testing