European Parliament Vote On Animal Welfare Legislation: A Step Forward For Patients, Research And Animal Welfare

Main Category: Veterinary
Article Date: 09 Sep 2010 - 4:00 PDT


EFPIA, the voice of the research-based pharmaceutical industry in Europe, acknowledges today's adoption by the European Parliament of a compromise to review a 25-year old EU Directive on the protection of laboratory animals. The compromise text was negotiated between the EU Parliament, Council and Commission during past months and must still be implemented by Member States.

EFPIA Director General, Brian Ager, said; "The Council and European Parliament have aimed to strike a balance between improving welfare and maintaining Europe's medical research. Today's agreement should bring direct and tangible animal welfare benefits and allow essential medical research to continue in Europe to deliver the new and innovative treatments that society wishes to see. It is clearly better for Europe that such advances are made here in Europe, where animal welfare is a key consideration in the research framework."

He added: "However, we remain disappointed that certain provisions run the risk of creating legal uncertainty without bringing any welfare benefits. We hope that Member States will address these concerns when transposing the text into national legislation".

This review of the Animal Welfare Directive is designed to improve and harmonize standards across EU Member States. The main new provisions consist of a mandatory ethical review and authorization systems. The Directive intends to support research in Europe while encouraging refinement, reduction and replacement (3R's). It also focuses on developing and implementing alternative methods that will bring direct and tangible welfare benefits.

Animal studies remain a small but indispensable part of biomedical research. They are vital in developing fundamental biological knowledge and in delivering modern vaccines, treatments and new cures for patients.

Source:
EFPIA

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