The fact is that pharmaceutical companies are required by law to test potential medicines on animals before they can be approved for testing on humans”
Simulating the effects of a medicine to prove safety
Animal testing is done to mimic the effects of a medicine on a complex, living organism in the process of developing cures for human diseases. It is also used to confirm the absence of major adverse effects making it safe for humans.
Responsibility to the patients and society we serve
As a healthcare company, we feel responsible to the society we live in, and we look forward to the day when animal testing is no longer a legal requirement before a medicine can receive marketing authorization. Until then, we are confronted with the moral dilemma of finding a balance between human and animal welfare. Today, only animal tests can provide the necessary level of evidence to detect important adverse effects. These include high blood pressure or liver damage, or threats to the unborn child.
Our goal – animal welfare
Both the pharmaceutical industry and animal rights groups are committed to maximising animal welfare. Meaningful progress is being made on three fronts – the three “R” principles:
- Reduction: using the fewest number of laboratory animals as possible.
- Refinement: developing test procedures that limit the potential for discomfort to animals.
- Replacement: substituting alternative methods without animals whenever possible.
