Nearly 100 experts worldwide say animal tests not the best way to progress coronavirus treatments
We have joined nearly 100 other experts and scientists worldwide in signing an open letter calling for non-animal research methods to be prioritised to help the discovery of effective vaccines and treatments for COVID-19.
The letter, which echoes our joint call last month with other animal protection organisations, is directed at the World Health Organisation, along with national governments, funding bodies and regulators, ahead of the World Health Assembly on Monday 18 May, and recommends a shift towards humane and human-relevant research to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
Due to species differences, animals respond differently to drugs and are an unreliable way to predict effects in humans. Over 90% of drugs which prove promising in animal trials fail in humans, either due to lack of effectiveness or safety concerns. Despite this recognised, fundamental problem, laboratories around the world, including in the UK, US, Netherlands, and China, are using animals to test possible vaccines for COVID-19.
Our Director of Public Affairs, Kerry Postlewhite said: “We want to see a safe and speedy vaccine for COVID19 using non-animal scientific methods which relate directly to the disease in humans and which have the potential to deliver safer, more effective vaccines and treatments to the market more quickly. To do this, we need global, regional and national coordination and co-operation and much more funding and support for these methods.”