How does the use of animal models advance biotech research?

Animal models play a crucial role in advancing biotech research primarily by offering insights into complex biological interactions. These models mimic the physiological and genetic characteristics of humans, allowing researchers to study the effects of diseases, treatments, and genetic manipulations in a living organism. This approach enables scientists to understand underlying mechanisms of diseases, evaluate the safety and efficacy of new drugs, and explore the interactions of biologically active compounds within a living system.

By using animals, researchers can gather data on how various systems interact over time, which is essential for developing effective therapies and understanding disease pathways. Such insights are invaluable for guiding the development of biologics and pharmaceuticals, as they bridge the gap between laboratory research and potential clinical applications. The complexities of biological systems cannot be fully understood through cell cultures or computational models alone, making animal studies an integral part of the research process in biotechnology.