21/07/08
Pro-Test welcomes statistics on animal research in 2007
Today the Home Office has released the figures for all animal research done
in the UK in 2007. The total number of procedures carried out on animals
has risen from 3.01 million in 2006, to 3.2 million in 2007 - although the
total number of animals used is slightly less than this, since in certain cases an animal may be used for more than one procedure.
The rise has been primarily due to a 5% increase in the number of procedures carried out on GM animals, mainly mice. GM (genetically modified) animals can offer better animal models for human diseases, allowing scientists better opportunities to study and cure serious genetic diseases such as sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis.
The importance of GM mice to medical research was recognized by the awarding of the 2007 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to Prof. Mario Capecchi, Sir Martin Evans and Prof. Oliver Smithies for their pioneering work on gene targeting in mice.
The number of procedures on non-human primates has fallen to 4,000, a 6% drop from 2006. This decrease is due in part to the replacement of primates by GM rodents in some areas of research. Dogs, cats, horses and non-human primates together now account for less than 0.5% of animal research in the UK.
These figures demonstrate that the scientists in the UK continue to be at the forefront of 21st century medical research.
Pro-Test Spokesman, Iain Simpson:
“We view the increase in the use of transgenic animals used as especially positive as it shows that academics are continuing to use innovative new methods to find cures for life threatening diseases such as cystic fibrosis and Duchenne muscular dystrophy”.
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1. Home Office Press Release, 21/07/08
http://press.homeoffice.gov.uk/press-releases/Animal-Research
2. The full Home office statistical report can be found here:
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/spanimals07.pdf
3. Contacts: Pro-Test Press Office
E-mail: media@pro-test.org.uk
Iain Simpson, 07960180033
Kevin Elliot, 07970982789
Web: http://www.pro-test.org.uk
Regards
Tom
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21/05/08
Pro-Test welcomed Monday's vote by MPs to allow the creation of hybrid human-animal embryos that will be used to produce stem cells for medical research. This work has the potential to provide new treatments for illnesses such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease and motor neuron disease, and we believe that it should be allowed to proceed in a well regulated manner in the UK.
Several sources of stem cells are now being studied in the UK including adult, induced pluripotent , cord blood and embryonic stem cells, and it is best to explore a variety of methods while there is still great uncertainty as to which will work best for each disease. What is beyond doubt is that animal research plays vital role in the research and refinement that is needed to take stem cell therapies from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside, and we will continue to support this work.
We wish the stem cell scientists well in their research.
Pro-Test
p.s. Keep an eye on the science blog for recent medical advances made possible through animal research
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27/03/08
Pro-Test have now got members out in the US who are willing to go to your institution (school, college, university...etc.) to speak up about the importance of lifesaving research using animals.
Founded by Pro-Test committee member, Tom Holder, Speaking of Research is a new campus-oriented group that seeks to provide university students and scientists with accurate information and resources about the importance of animal research in medical science.
Pro-Test encourages university students who are tired of the half truths and distortions spread by animal rights groups in the US, to organise a debate in their college or school. We are willing to come and help defend lifesaving research in any forum to which we are invited. We are also available to give talks on our experience (and part in) the rise and fall of extremism in the UK, the value of animal research in medicine, and the importance of standing against the lies, harassment and violence of animal rights groups in the US.
Anyone interested should contact Tom Holder:
E-mail: contact@speakingofresearch.org
Phone: 703-395-0646
www.speakingofresearch.org
Cheers
Tom
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11/02/08
Pro-Test Celebrates Science and Battles Extremism
Peter Hollins, Chief Executive of British heart Foundation and Chair of the Coalition for Medical Progress, lends his support to the Pro-test march today. He said;
"Medical research underpins advances that help to improve and save peoples lives. The Coalition for Medical Progress is working alongside organisations and people who all believe we need to work together to foster an environment in which our scientists can continue their life saving work."
Hundreds of Pro-Testers marched through the streets of Oxford in support of lifesaving animal research, and to stand against animal rights extremism that has plagued the building of the new Oxford Biomedical Facility.
The Pro-Test march was conducted peacefully, as protesters gathered to hear speeches promoting medical progress through animal testing. Speakers included MP Evan Harris, Prof. Robin Lovell-Badge, Prof. Tipu Aziz and Prof. John Stein and were all met with rapturous applause.
Oxford University:
“Oxford is a world leader in non-animal research techniques such as computer modelling, imaging and epidemiological studies. However, there is overwhelming scientific consensus worldwide that some research using animals is still essential for medical progress. We remain, as ever, firmly committed to the completion of a new facility to re-house animals used in potentially life-saving research. The state-of-the-art facilities in the building will support animal welfare, and in turn support good science.”
The Government Science Minister:
“As Minister for Science I fully support the objectives of Pro-Test, and welcome the message you send to Britain’s scientists about the necessity of research to medical science, to encourage them to speak out about their work and be proud of the contributions they make.
The UK is a world leader in medical advances and the Government is proud of the pioneering work of our scientists and researchers; the use of animals is essential to the success of this vital work."
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01/02/08
Pro-Test marches for lifesaving research
On Saturday February 9th 2008 Pro-Test are marching in Oxford to support animal research, and to stand against the campaign of fear and intimidation which had previously all but silenced the voices of many scientists across the country.
The rally in Oxford, says Laurie Pycroft, teenage founder of Pro-Test, will
“show that students, scientists and the public at large will not be cowed by animal rights extremists. The new biomedical research centre at Oxford is nearing completion, and we must continue to speak out in support of animal research to prevent the future of medical research from being held hostage by violent extremists.”
Recent polls have shown that public opinion mostly backs animal research.
Tom Holder, an Oxford student and one of the march organisers, added
“There are widespread misunderstandings regarding animal research. Antivivisection groups spend much time and effort confusing the general public with pseudoscience and lies. We must all take active steps to put this right. The new laboratory will provide top class facilities for scientific research and state-of-the-art accommodation for the animals housed within”.
Celebrity and scientific speakers at the rally will include Peter Hollins, Chief Executive of the British Heart Foundation, Prof. Robin Lovell-Badge, a leading stem cell researcher at the National Institute for Medical Research, Dr. Evan Harris, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, and Laurie Pycroft.
The march has three main aims. As well as defending the rights of researchers to work without harassment, the march will celebrate the successes of animal research in developing treatments for disease, and communicate a better understanding about animal research to non-scientists everywhere.
For further information contact: Tom Holder, Pro-Test Press Officer. Tel: 07802482994 E-mail: contact@pro-test.org.uk Web: www.pro-test.org.uk
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