ABPI welcomes government plan to reduce UK animal research

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has responded positively to new government plans outlining how the use of animals in UK research will be scaled down.

Developed by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Home Office and the Department of Health, the plans lay out groundwork for animal research to be reduced, replaced and refined, so it is only used when there are no other viable alternatives.

Currently, animal research plays a small but essential role in medical, veterinary and scientific studies, helping scientists to better understand and improve the treatment of diseases in humans and animals, and paving the way for the creation of new medicines.

However, techniques such as tissue engineering, research using human stem cells, non-invasive imaging and mathematical modelling are starting to replace animal testing, creating a more humane and cost-effective working model.

The ABPI said its members are already committed to the principles of replacement, refinement and reduction at UK, European and international levels.

Stephen Whitehead, chief executive of the ABPI, said: "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."