The creation of penicillin, blood transfusions, organ transplants and the administration of insulin to combat Diabetes have all come from research involving animals. There have been huge breakthroughs in the treatment for many illnesses thanks to animal research – Asthma, HIV, Meningitis, Cancer and Parkinson’s to name a few.

Every human around the world has benefitted from animal research in one way or another, even down to taking something as simple as paracetamol for pain relief – just one of the many drugs that have been developed with the help of research.

Facts on animal research

Animals used in scientific research

Fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals, are protected under UK law, because of this, licences are needed to carry out research on these animals. Genetically modified animals (mostly mice) now make up over half of the animals used in research. Larger animals such as pigs, dogs and monkeys, account for less than 2% of the animals used in research.

Our Position on research

Agenda Life Sciences supports the research community through the provision of services aimed at facilitating research. We believe that whilst animal research continues to make a valuable contribution to scientific understanding and the development of medical treatments, the animals should be treated with dignity and respect at all times.

Agenda Life Sciences fully supports the Reduction, Refinement and Replacement of the use of animals in research. Until viable alternatives to animals are available for all areas of research, the animals should be cared for by dedicated, professional and well-trained individuals who care passionately about animal care and welfare.

Animal welfare is a priority, but so also is the welfare of the dedicated people working with the animals and also the welfare of the life science sector itself. Our ‘Welfare First’ programme is designed to consistently deliver standards of animal care and welfare that exceeds regulatory requirements. It puts in place the building blocks that underpin effective care and welfare; it is Agenda’s assertion that caring for the people that care for the animals in turn supports and nurtures a culture of care within the life science sector.