A new report from the Nuffield Council on Bioethics on the ethics of animal research has been welcomed as a useful addition to on-going debate by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). The reports findings on the importance of objective, continual review of animal use in research and the effective implementation of the 3Rs (Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of animal research) are supported by the pharmaceutical industry.

 

ABPI Director of Science & technology, Dr Philip Wright said: "Pointless animal research would distract from the main objective of getting new medicines through to patients quickly. The ABPI recognises the need to communicate the rationale for the use of animals as part of an open debate. However such communication can only occur fully when there is no intimidation or harassment of employees, family and friends. The Nuffield Working Group concluded that such intimidation and violence was morally unjustified."

For the foreseeable future animals will continue to be required for the development of new medicines for both human and veterinary use - but we should continue to challenge the need, especially as new technologies become available.

ABPI is already working with the National Centre for the 3Rs (NC3Rs) and further initiatives are expected. The objectives will continue to be to share best practice and information wherever possible to reduce animal use, replace animal use as new technologies are developed and refine research through welfare improvements.​

For further information, please contact: ABPI Press Office 020 7747 1410

 
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