HEARTS Act of 2025

The HEARTS Act (Humane and Existing Alternatives in Research and Testing Sciences Act of 2025) would amend federal law to encourage the use of non-animal research methods in studies funded by the National Institutes of Health. The bill would require that nonanimal methods be prioritized where applicable and feasible in research proposals, and would establish a National Center for Alternatives to Animals in Research and Testing within the NIH to develop, promote, and fund alternatives to animal research. The bill also proposes that NIH proposal reviewers include experts in non-animal research methods and that researchers conduct thorough searches for available alternatives before using animals. If enacted, the bill could shift how federally funded medical research is conducted by encouraging the use of modern alternatives such as cell cultures, computer modeling, and other human-relevant methods. Supporters argue this could improve research outcomes, since some medications that show promise in animal studies fail in human trials, while also addressing animal welfare concerns. The bill is currently referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and has not yet been voted on by the full House.