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Wednesday, May 25th, 2005
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.
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