Animal models have helped uncover the underlying mechanisms of a variety of pathologies, including cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders, eventually leading to discovery of life-saving drugs, impacting the lives of millions around the world. Here, at the Centre for Accelerated Medical Innovation, we are cognizant of the role animals play in our experimental pursuits, all of which are strongly rooted in the rapid translation of therapeutics and therapeutic modalities from the bench to the bedside. However, we are deeply committed to minimizing animal use and work effortlessly to ensure their thoughtful use in our research. We strictly adopt the “3Rs alternatives” principle proposed by Russell and Burch (“The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique”, 1959) for Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement of animals used in research, teaching, testing, and exhibition.
1. The best way to minimize animal use in research is to appreciate those scenarios where animals need not be utilized. Some experiments might hold their ground with in vitro data, computer modeling, and/or simulators alone without the use of any animals.
2. Similarly, when animals do need to be used, extensive planning and collaborative discussions are mandated to harness the maximum output from any given animal, thereby serving to reduce the number of animals that need to be utilized in each trial.
3. Whenever permitted, experimentally and ethically, animals can be reused for multiple projects.
4. Often times, euthanized animals could be well suited to the needs of a particular experiment, and all investigators are therefore encouraged to contact the BWH Animal Facilities to acquire such mice.
5. Beyond usage in absolute numbers, it is fundamentally imperative that all animals being used are treated with the highest standards of care, respect, and integrity.
6. All researchers and investigators are required to consult the resources highlighted below, and review the guidelines set forth by the Animal Review Committee at BWH.
Additional Resources:
1. Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Center for Comparative Medicine https://animal.bwh.harvard.edu/
2. BWH Animal Research Resource Guide https://www.discoverbrigham.org/animal-research-resource-guide/
3. Animal Use Alternatives, USDA Animal Health and Welfare https://www.nal.usda.gov/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-use-alternatives#:~:text=Reduction%20involves%20methods%20that%20help,%2
C%20and%20sharing%20resources%2Fanimals.
4. NIH Grants and Funding, Policy and Compliance on the use of Animals in Research https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/air/index.htm
5. Smith, AJ (2020) Guidelines for planning and conducting high-quality research and testing on animals. Laboratory Animal Research, 36. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42826-020-00054-0
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Laws, Regulations, and Standards Governing Research with Animals https://www.cdc.gov/labs/animal-care.html
7. Alternatives to Animal Research, NIH Health and Education https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/science/sya-iccvam/index.cfm