February 7, 2014

expert reaction to Government announcement on animal research

The Government outlined how it will work to reduce, replace and refine the use of animals in research. The announcement was made at an SMC briefing.

Prof Nic Wells, Chair of the Animal Science Group, Society of Biology, said:

“We welcome this Government discussion of the importance of properly conducted and necessary animal  research, and of their strong commitment to the 3Rs which we fully support. To continue to advance this strategy and maintain the UK’s leadership in this area Government support and investment is vital.”

Dr Jeremy Farrar, Director of the Wellcome Trust:

“The scientific community is deeply committed to reducing the use of animals in research where it is appropriate to do so, and indeed the UK is a global leader in the science of replacing, refining and reducing the use of animals in research through organisations such as the NC3Rs. However, despite much progress, animals remain essential for improving our understanding of disease and developing much-needed new treatments. It is also important to recognise that advances in medical science sometimes require more animals to be used in research, not fewer, for example the breeding of genetically modified mice to investigate disease. Such developments benefit both humans and animals.

“We support the Coalition’s commitments to facilitating data sharing and collaborations across the bioscience sector. We also agree with the need for transparency and openness in the use of animals, which we believe is essential to maintaining public trust in research and an understanding of how medicines are developed. That is why the bioscience sector is developing a concordat on openness, which will be published later this year.”

Steve Bates, BioIndustry Association (BIA) Chief Executive Officer, said:

“The bioscience sector welcomes the government’s commitments to reducing the number of animals used in scientific research through a science-led approach to greater implementation and adoption of the 3Rs. However, government must ensure that any actions it takes do not negatively impact the ability of British companies to continue to research and develop new products and technologies to address serious unmet medical needs and improve the lives of patients around the world. The commitments must also allow such British companies to operate globally and it is therefore essential that government continues to push for international harmonisation to the highest standards.”

Dr Vicky Robinson, Chief Executive, NC3Rs, said:

“I welcome the Coalition Government’s new plan to work to reduce the use of animals in research. The activities set out in the plan endorse the science-led approach taken by the NC3Rs over the last ten years to minimise animal use and improve animal welfare.

“We work at the heart of the research community to foster collaborations and develop better science and technology which underpin changes in practice, policy and regulation. Our approach delivers significant benefits for science and animals.”

Wendy Jarrett, Chief Executive of Understanding Animal Research:

“We welcome this very clear cross-government statement of the continuing need for well-regulated animal research in the UK.  The Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK will, when it is published this spring, set out ways in which the bioscience community commits to helping the public understand more about why this research happens and how it happens. We support all efforts to replace, reduce and refine the use of animals in research and we are delighted by today’s announcement that the Government will be giving the NC3Rs even more funding.”

Stephen Whitehead, ABPI Chief Executive, said:

“The ABPI welcomes the government’s delivery plan – ‘working to reduce the use of animals in scientific research’ – endorsed across government by three departments. The three strategic priorities identified in the plan are areas that our industry is actively pursuing. Animal research plays a small but essential role in medical, veterinary and scientific progress, and is helping us to better understand and improve the treatment of diseases in humans and animals, ultimately ensuring patients have access to innovative life-saving and life-enhancing medicines. ABPI members are committed to the 3Rs, embedded in research and development, and our members are extensively involved in 3Rs initiatives at a UK, European and international level, some of which are undertaken in partnership with the NC3Rs. As a signatory to the Concordat on openness of animal research, the ABPI is also making strides to improve the transparency around animal research, which is an important ongoing priority.”

‘Working to reduce the use of animals in scientific research’ by The Home Office Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU), the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), and the Government Office for Science on Friday 7th February.