Animal Protection in Biomedical Research

Project Number SPB N° tbc

 

Chair

Professor Roger Lemon, University College London, London (UK)

Abstract

Unless it is amended, the new EU Directive on the Protection of Animals used for Scientific Purposes, as proposed by European Commission and European Parliament, could seriously impede the further advancement of European medical and veterinary research. The Directive requires amendments and further reinforcement of the fundamental principles applied to the use of animals in scientific research. These conclusions were published in two position papers from the European Medical Research Councils (EMRC), the Standing Committee for Medical Sciences at the European Science Foundation (ESF).

  1. ESF-EMRC Position on the Proposed Revision of the Directive on the Protection of Animals used for Experimental and other Scientific Purposes  - 1st Edition 12 September 2008
  2. ESF-EMRC Position on the Proposal for a Directive on the Protection of Animals used for Scientific Purposes  - 2nd Edition 24 March 2009

This latter position paper also has the support of the Champalimaud Foundation, EUROHORCs, Foundation for Polish Science, the Pasteur Institute and the Wellcome Trust.

The paper presents a consensus on the subject reached within the European medical research community, drawing on the conclusions of the high-level Expert Group of European scientists chaired by Professor Roger Lemon and coordinated by the ESF-EMRC, and summarising the policy of ESF’s Member Organisations. It aims to provide input into the discussion on the revision of the existing EC Directive on the protection of animals used in scientific research (86/609/EEC).

According to the Professor Roger Lemon “The new European Directive on animal testing should employ more clearly the fundamental guiding principles for the use of animals in medical research, thereby ensuring an appropriate level of protection of animals used for scientific purposes, including non-human primates, while at the same time allowing for continued progress in scientific research”.

In particular, three main themes run through the conclusions of the Expert Group:

  • The overarching significance of the 3Rs in animal testing as a guiding principle – Refinement of scientific techniques, Reduction in numbers of animal used, and Replacement of animal procedures with non-animal procedures. As a complementary measure to the implementation of the Directive, the Expert Group emphasizes the need of properly funded 3Rs led-research programmes initiated or enhanced by the EU Member States and European Commission.  
  • The importance of the harm-benefit analysis for each prospective project involving animals in research and coupling this to the improvement of animal welfare to the highest level compatible with the scientific objectives of the project.
  • The need of efficient decision making with the minimum bureaucracy in implementation of the Directive, including defined time limits for licensing of research by the permanent ethical review body and the competent authority.

Status

A more general Science Policy Briefing on the ‘Protection of Animals in Biomedical Research’ is currently under preparation.