Legal Definitions - animal testing

Animal testing refers to the practice of using living animals in scientific experiments to study biological processes, understand diseases, or evaluate the safety and effectiveness of various products, such as medications, chemicals, or medical devices.

Because these experiments can potentially cause discomfort, injury, or death to the animals involved, they are subject to strict regulations in many countries. In the United States, for instance, the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) governs animal testing, requiring that research serves a legitimate scientific purpose, considers non-animal alternatives, avoids unnecessary duplication of studies, and ensures pain relief is administered when appropriate without compromising the research goals. Institutions conducting animal research must also establish committees to review and ensure compliance with these ethical and legal guidelines.

Here are some examples of how animal testing is applied:

• Developing New Medications: A pharmaceutical company is developing a novel drug to treat Alzheimer's disease. Before this drug can be tested in human clinical trials, researchers administer it to a group of mice genetically engineered to exhibit symptoms similar to Alzheimer's. They observe the mice for any improvements in cognitive function, monitor for potential side effects, and analyze tissue samples to understand how the drug affects the brain. This process helps determine the drug's safety, optimal dosage, and preliminary efficacy in a living system before it moves to human subjects.

  This example illustrates animal testing as a crucial step in the development and safety assessment of pharmaceutical products, directly aligning with the definition's mention of testing medications.

• Assessing Chemical Safety: A manufacturer wants to introduce a new industrial cleaning agent to the market. To comply with safety regulations, they must demonstrate that the chemical is not harmful if it comes into contact with skin or is accidentally ingested. Researchers apply small amounts of the concentrated cleaning agent to the skin of rabbits and administer diluted doses orally to rats, observing for any signs of irritation, allergic reactions, or systemic toxicity over a specified period. This helps establish safety guidelines for human exposure.

  This scenario demonstrates animal testing being used to evaluate the safety of a chemical product, highlighting its role in protecting public health by identifying potential hazards before widespread use.

• Advancing Surgical Techniques: Medical researchers are developing a new, less invasive surgical technique for repairing damaged heart valves. Before performing this procedure on human patients, they practice and refine the technique on large animals, such as pigs, whose cardiovascular systems are anatomically similar to humans. This allows surgeons to perfect their skills, test specialized instruments, and assess the effectiveness and potential complications of the new method in a controlled, live environment.

  This example illustrates animal testing in the context of medical innovation, specifically for refining surgical procedures and medical devices, showcasing its application beyond just drug or chemical testing.