You did not specify the definite alternatives to animal testing. Although i do not support animal cruelty, being a pharmacist i know that a lot goes into R&D before a drug hits the market it goes through at least three different phases of clinical trials where human subjects are used.
Besides if you read through medieval times of the practice of medicine you"ll not like what prisoners and captured people were used for in the name of advancing medical practice.
Would you rather a surgeon with loads of theoretical information as against practical experience take someone you know and care about in to a theater?