ATLA is a peer-reviewed journal, intended to cover all aspects of the development, validation, implementation and use of alternatives to laboratory animals in biomedical research and toxicity testing. In addition to the replacement of animals, it also covers work that aims to reduce the number of animals used and refine the in vivo experiments that are still carried out.

The journal publishes original research papers, review articles, letters, comments and book reviews. It is of relevance to research scientists, academics, and those involved in regulatory affairs or in the field of animal ethics. The papers published commonly feature in vitro, ex vivo or in silico methods; surveys on the use of animals for education, research or testing purposes; humane teaching or medical training methods; and the optimisation and validation of novel or existing methods for use as non-animal alternatives.

ATLA does not normally accept papers on herbal or other extracts, unless the focus of the paper is on the development or validation of a novel new approach methodology (NAM).

Opinions expressed in any part of ATLA do not necessarily reflect the views of the Replacing Animal Research Trustees or Staff, the Editors or Members of the Editorial Board.

This journal is a member of Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).