What does Preamble of HEARTS Act of 2025 do?

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act. It aims to prioritize nonanimal methods in research proposals for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where applicable and feasible. The bill proposes the establishment of the National Center for Alternatives to Animals in Research and Testing. The bill includes provisions for other purposes, though these are not specified in this section.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HEARTS Act of 2025 do?

This bill is formally titled the Humane and Existing Alternatives in Research and Testing Sciences Act of 2025.

What does FINDINGS. of HEARTS Act of 2025 do?

This section outlines findings related to animal use in biomedical research. It notes that the NIH has supported life-saving research, much of which has historically relied on animals, with estimates ranging from 17 million to 100 million animals used annually in the United States. The text highlights concerns about the accuracy of animal usage data, stating that the precise number is unknown. It points out that a significant percentage of promising medications fail in human clinical trials despite positive results in animal models, suggesting a need for more human-focused research. The section acknowledges the growing availability of effective alternatives to animal research, including advanced technologies and human-relevant models. It criticizes the lack of oversight in implementing existing regulations, such as those in the Animal Welfare Act and the National Institutes of Health Revitalization Act of 1993, which encourage the consideration and reduction of animal use. The text proposes a system of incentives to encourage the development and utilization of non-animal methods based on human biology. It suggests the establishment of a dedicated center to provide resources, funding, and training to facilitate the adoption of these humane, cost-effective, and scientifically suitable alternatives.

What does ANIMALS IN RESEARCH. of HEARTS Act of 2025 do?

This section amends Section 495 of the Public Health Service Act. It modifies guidelines for animal care established by the National Institutes of Health. The amendments require establishing incentives for using nonanimal research methods. Research proposals must ensure all scientifically satisfactory nonanimal methods have been evaluated before animal use. Reviewers of research proposals must include someone with expertise in nonanimal research methods. Reviewers must have access to a reference librarian with expertise in evaluating searches for nonanimal methods. Guidelines are established for thorough searches for nonanimal alternatives in biomedical and behavioral research. Subsection (b)(1) is modified to reference subsection (a)(1)(C).

What does NATIONAL CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVES TO ANIMALS IN RESEARCH AND of HEARTS Act of 2025 do?

This section amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the National Center for Alternatives to Animals in Research and Testing (National Center) within the National Institutes of Health. The National Center's purpose is to develop, promote, and fund alternatives to animal research and testing, and to create a plan for reducing the number of animals used in federally funded research. The Director of the National Center will provide funding and assistance to researchers to develop and qualify nonanimal methods. The Director will also train scientists on these methods, establish collaborations between research institutions, and collect and publicly release data on animal usage in federally funded research. The National Center must be established within one year of the enactment of the Humane and Existing Alternatives in Research and Testing Sciences Act of 2025.

What does REPORTING BY FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH ENTITIES ON NUMBERS OF of HEARTS Act of 2025 do?

This section requires federally funded research entities to report the number of animals used in research and testing. Initial reports are due within two years of the Act's enactment and must include the number of animals used and bred/acquired, disaggregated by species. Subsequent reports are required every two years to track progress in reducing animal usage. Entities must also develop and submit a plan for reducing animal numbers every two years. The National Center for Alternatives to Animals in Research and Testing will establish a standardized reporting process. The term 'animal' is defined as any live, nonhuman vertebrate animal or cephalopod used in research or testing. A 'covered reporting entity' includes entities receiving federal funds for research using animals and federal departments or agencies using animals.

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HEARTS Act of 2025

Last updated: 2/13/2025 · Introduced: 2/13/2025

Author: Ken Calvert (R-CA)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to prioritize and incentivize the use of nonanimal research methods where applicable and feasible, requiring evaluation of alternatives before animal use.
It establishes the National Center for Alternatives to Animals in Research and Testing within the NIH to develop, promote, and fund alternatives, and to create a plan for reducing animal use in federally funded research.
Federally funded research entities must report animal usage data, including numbers of animals used and bred, every two years, along with plans for reducing animal numbers.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 4 more.

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