New study into use of non-human primates in research
23 March 2005
Four of the UK’s leading medical and scientific organisations have today launched a study into the use of non-human primates in biological and medical research.
The Academy of Medical Sciences, the Royal Society, the Medical Research Council and the Wellcome Trust are setting up a working group to examine the recent, current and future scientific basis for biological and medical research involving non-human primates.
Members of the working group, which will be chaired by Sir David Weatherall, will be drawn from outside the non-human primate research community. The group will include a broad range of scientific expertise, in addition to ethical and lay representation.
Sir David said: “In the UK, the 3Rs principles of reduction, refinement and replacement are rigorously applied to all experiments using animals, particularly non-human primates. We hope to establish areas where alternatives, such as genetically modified mice or computer modelling, might be an appropriate option. Equally, the study will examine areas of research where there is likely to be continuing need. The working group also hope to outline what, if any, new ethical, welfare or regulatory questions emerge from the conclusions of the scientific review.
Sir David continued: “Changes are occurring in the capacity for the UK and other countries around the world to carry out research using non-human primates. These changes particularly affect the availability of animals, trained personnel and facilities. The study will assess the nature and extent of these changes and what implications they might have for future research.”
Sir David concluded: “Our study report will be suitable for all interested parties, including decision-makers in Government and the research funders.”
Sir Keith Peters, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said: "There is an urgent need to adopt a more strategic approach to the future use of NHPs in research at both a UK and global level. The research community will look forward to the results of this rigorous and timely study, which will help inform the scientific basis on which future policy decisions are taken. We are most grateful to Sir David for taking on the leadership of this important task".
Lord May of Oxford, President of the Royal Society, said: “Taking a fresh and independent look at the scientific basis for the research being carried out involving non-human primates is a welcome move. Although there are many examples of where using NHPs has been invaluable in scientific and medical research, this does not preclude us from taking a hard look at whether advances in science now, or in the future, will mean that alternative techniques can answer our questions just as effectively.”
Professor Colin Blakemore, Chief Executive of the Medical Research Council said:
“The Medical Research Council is pleased to be working in partnership to examine the scientific rationale for primate use in research. A small - but crucial - proportion of non-human primates are used in medical research. This work has contributed to the development of treatments for life threatening diseases such as polio, asthma, Parkinson’s disease and stroke. We anticipate that this independent expert group will make a timely and constructive contribution to the important debate about the future use of primates.”
Dr Mark Walport, Director of the Wellcome Trust said: "This is a topic that raises strong emotions. Research on animals, including non-human primates, has played a major role in improving human and animal health, and this continues to be the case. It is essential that such research is regularly and rigorously scrutinised. We live in a plural society in which people are entitled to express strong and divergent opinions on this topic. Debate on this topic must be conducted within the rule of the law. I am very pleased that this strong and independently-minded group will examine the roles of research on non-human primates and look forward to hearing the outcomes of their deliberations in due course."
The working group will consider evidence from a wide range of sources. All interested parties are invited to submit evidence by Wednesday 1 June 2005.
Membership of the working group will be announced in the next few weeks and the sponsoring organisations hope to publish the study by Spring 2006.
The call for evidence can be obtained from www.nhpstudy.com or via the study information line 020 7839 6300.
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For more information about this media release, contact the Royal Society Press Office on 020 7451 2508 or press@royalsoc.ac.uk
