vivoExperimenten

VivoExperimenten, or in vivo experiments, are research studies conducted within living organisms. They stand in contrast to in vitro experiments, which are performed outside a living organism, such as in cell cultures or test tubes, and to in silico methods that rely on computer simulations. In vivo research is used to understand complex biological processes in a holistic context, to model diseases, and to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of new interventions.

Applications of vivoExperimenten span preclinical animal studies and human clinical trials. In animals, they are used to investigate disease mechanisms, test therapeutics, study toxicology, and assess device performance. In humans, in vivo studies take place in clinical trials that evaluate safety, dosage, and effectiveness across phases I to III, guided by ethical standards and regulatory oversight. Imaging, behavioral assessments, and physiological measurements are common in vivo approaches.

Regulation and ethics play a central role. Many jurisdictions require prior ethical approval, animal welfare review, and adherence to protections for human participants. The 3Rs principle—replacement, reduction, and refinement—guides the design of in vivo research to minimize animal use and suffering. Institutional committees, such as IACUCs or IRBs, oversee study protocols and welfare considerations, including anesthesia, analgesia, humane endpoints, and informed consent where applicable.

Strengths and limitations must be considered. VivoExperimenten provide integrated, organism-level data that are often essential for understanding systemic effects, but they can be time-consuming, costly, and ethically sensitive, with translational gaps between animal models and humans. Where possible, researchers supplement in vivo work with alternatives such as in vitro systems, organ-on-chip technologies, or in silico models to reduce reliance on living subjects.