In the news
7 Jan 2009
11 November 2008
Dr Hadwen Trust statement: Oxford University’s new animal facility opens
We understand that Oxford University has officially opened its new multi-million pound animal facility in South Parks Road, Oxford.
As a charity dedicated to advancing medical research via non-animal methods, the Dr Hadwen Trust cannot and does not support this new animal facility.
As well as causing suffering and distress to millions of animals each year, animal experiments have serious scientific limitations. When subjected to the scrutiny of independent scientific reviews, time and again animal experiments fail to demonstrate validity or relevance to human patients. A review published in the British Medical Journal in 20071 concluded that results from animal research into treatments for five different human diseases had failed to correctly predict the human outcome fifty percent of the time: about as accurate as flipping a coin. This is an appalling waste of animals’ lives and risks the health of patients who participate in clinical trials.
In another independent analysis, a review of 76 highly cited animal studies published in seven leading scientific journals found that only 37% of the animal tests correctly predicted successful treatments in clinical trials2.
Medical research based on artificially creating a small selection of symptoms in animals that are similar to those seen in humans, has failed time and again. Vital and often subtle anatomical, metabolic, physiological and pharmacological differences between species mean that results can be misleading.
For some diseases where little progress has been made in spite of decades of animal experiments, the conclusion must be that the animal models are failing to elucidate the human condition, and in some cases such as multiple sclerosis research, have almost certainly obscured our understanding of it.
The Dr Hadwen Trust says “An investment of this magnitude in a new animal facility reflects an incredible short-sightedness on the part of Oxford University. The research techniques of the future will not be based on animal experiments, but on advanced non-animal approaches. Oxford University could have become a leading centre for these exciting techniques, but instead has demonstrated an astonishing lack of interest in new scientific directions and in the weight of public concern about animal experiments. It has locked itself into a mode of research that is already outdated.”
At the start of the 21st century, non-animal techniques have become the cutting edge of medical research. Animal experiments are already being replaced by a range of non-animal methods that, as well as being more humane, frequently prove cheaper, quicker and more effective – as well as saving lives.
Advanced human cell cultures, molecular analysis, detailed computer modelling of human tissues, organs and body systems, sophisticated brain imagers, biosensors combining cell studies with microelectronics, 3-D human tissue engineering – these represent the future of medical research, not Victorian-style experiments on other animals who do not even suffer from human disorders.
A note on protest:
The Dr Hadwen Trust believes strongly in the democratic right to legitimate protest including peaceful demonstrations. As a registered charity we operate wholly within the law and oppose unreservedly the use of violence or intimidation. Whilst the majority of anti-vivisection campaigners protest lawfully, a very small number have employed extreme or intimidatory methods in their campaign to halt the Oxford animal house. Whilst the Dr Hadwen Trust would like to see all animal research ended and replaced with more advanced non-animal methods, we cannot condone such extreme tactics. We believe they are wrong in principle and ultimately counterproductive in the wider campaign to win hearts and minds and secure long-lasting legislative protection for animals.
Notes:
To arrange a media interview or for further information contact Wendy Higgins, Communications Director on 24hr mobile 07989 972 423 or email wendy@drhadwentrust.org
1 Perel P et al (2007). Comparison of treatment effects between animal experiments and clinical trials: systematic review. BMJ 334:197.
2 DG Hackam & DA Redelmeier (2006). Translation of research evidence from animals to humans. Journal of the American Medical Association 296:1731-1732.
