<div>Conceding to concerns raised by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), India has decided to put an end to "repeat" animal testing for permission for a new drug.<br><br>The Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), government's chief advisory body, in its recent meeting decided to explore using other alternative methods other than animal studies. </div><div> </div><div>According to the advisory board, for drugs approved in other countries where complete toxicological data is generated, further toxicology study may not be required.</div><div><br>"The ban means countless animals won't have to face painful and often lethal poisoning during toxicity tests, as other animals have sadly already experienced", said Chaitanya Koduri, PETA India science policy adviser. </div><div> </div><div>She further added that PETA India will continue to work to ensure that modern, animal-free methods become the norm everywhere.</div><div> </div><div>Earlier, Union minister for women and child development Maneka Gandhi had written to the health minister regarding pre-clinical and toxicity studies on animals under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. </div><div> </div><div>The novel step, according to officials will further help in stopping unnecessary cruelty on animals. Recently, India also imposed ban on the import of cosmetics that have been tested on animals.</div>
