This systematic analysis of 32 relevant studies showed that clinical drug attrition has not improved in the last six decades, peaking at ∼91% in the 2000s–2010s, with most failures linked to biological factors. These findings suggest that prevailing preclinical approaches – many of which heavily rely on animal models – often have limited ability to predict clinical outcomes and highlight the urgent need for more predictive, human-relevant new approach methodologies (non-animal methods).
Filipova D. Boomgaarden W. Fox L. Knight A. et al. (2026). Need for NAMs: A systematic evidence synthesis revealing over half a century of drug development failure. NAM Journal, 100119.