There has been a steady and sustained rise in openness about animal research from many of our leading research institutions in the UK.
This reflects partly the extremely effective government and police action to tackle animal rights extremism, for which we are extremely grateful. It also reflects a commitment from many more individuals in the scientific community to engage in an informed debate about animal research.
It is critical to point out that animal research is not a separate activity to the rest of biomedical research. Rather, is an integral part of the research effort to advance knowledge and ultimately develop new treatments and cures for patients. It is one of many important elements of the UK science base.
We give special mention to two major funding institutions in the UK, for their commitment and contribution to greater openness: the Wellcome Trust and the Medical Research Council.
The recently published 2007 Annual Review of the Wellcome Trust demonstrates clearly how animal research can play a vital role in biomedical research. Particular highlights are the use of rodent models to study Rett syndrome (an autism-like disorder), the regulation of food intake, susceptibility to addiction, the role of the immune system in nephritis, and genetic abnormalities affecting neuronal development in the brain.
At the same time, this Annual Review dispels the antivivisection myth that non-animal methods of research are ignored. The majority of features in this review are not based on funding for animal research.
The Wellcome Trust has shown consistent support for all methods of research, including the development of technologies which could help to reduce or replace the use of animals in research. The Wellcome Trust has funded 2 winners of the NC3Rs 3Rs Prize. Dr Siouxsie Wiles (prizewinner in 2005) won the award for refining the technique used for infecting mice with E coli - see the feature article A model researcher. Dr Wiles discovered mice who infect each other naturally have higher rates of infection, meaning fewer animals are needed in future studies. Professor Alan Fairlamb (2006 award winner) developed a more humane method of infecting hamsters with visceral leishmaniasis, using the intraperitoneal route as opposed to the intracardial route. Visceral leishmaniasis is one of the world’s largest parasitic killers.
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