We're committed to finding better ways to prevent and treat disease and, where that requires the use of animals in our research, maintaining the highest standards of ethical treatment.
In many cases, the use of animals is the only effective means that scientists have to model human disease complexity. It has been critical in the development of many of the medical advances we now take for granted, such as antibiotics, vaccines and cancer treatment. Before a potential therapy can be tested in people, regulators require evidence from animal studies.
Our research uses mice, whose immune system is very similar to that of humans. We do so with care and consideration, and only where this is the best path to gaining the understanding that can lead to potential treatments and cures.
Concerns for animal welfare are paramount in our research. We meet stringent animal welfare regulations and treat the animals used in our research with respect and the highest standards of care. We are governed by an independent ethics committee on which veterinarians, the SPCA and the public are represented, guided by the principles of reducing, refining and (wherever possible) replacing the use of animals in research.