Better antibodies without using animals
The Recommendation is based on the opinion of EURL ECVAM’s Scientific Advisory Committee (ESAC) and states that animals should no longer be used for the development and production of antibodies for research, regulatory, diagnostic and therapeutic applications. It also challenges misconceptions existing in the scientific community about non-animal-derived antibodies and highlights the scientific and economic benefits of their use.
Every year in the EU, close to 1 million animals are used for antibody generation and production despite the availability of technologies that do not necessitate the use of animals. Not only is this number high but the procedures employed often cause severe suffering. The Recommendation proposes concrete actions for key actors including end-users, commercial providers, authorities, research funding bodies and journal editors.
“The EU Directive 2010/63 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes is very clear”, insists Maurice Whelan, JRC scientist and head of EURL ECVAM, “when a scientifically valid alternative is available, then it simply must be used. Authorisation should not be given for the development and production of antibodies through animal immunisation, where robust, legitimate scientific justification is lacking.”