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14/02/2008

Alternatives to animal experiments a priority

Alternatives to using animals for medical research in laboratories across the EU should be further developed and implemented as a priority, says Conservative MEP for Wales Jonathan Evans.

Speaking following a seminar entitled 'Progress Without Pain' in the European Parliament yesterday, he said technological advancements had brought new and alternative 'test' methods, which are proving to be more efficient and reliable.

Last September, more than half of all European politicians backed a campaign to end experiments on monkeys across the EU. The Written Directive, sponsored by Conservative MEP John Bowis, called for the revision of Directive 86/609 to give priority to ending the use of apes and wild-caught monkeys in scientific trials and establish a timetable for alternatives.

Mr Evans said:"We have got to ensure alternatives are developed to reduce the use of animals in scientific trials, while still maintaining protection of human health for generations to come.

"Despite more than a quarter of primate species being in danger of extinction, monkeys continue to be captured and used for research in EU laboratories. If alternatives are available and acceptable they must now be used and the EU should lead the way."

Jan Creamer, chief executive of Animal Defenders International - which has long campaigned for a European ban on experiments on primates - and the Lord Dowding Fund for Humane Research, said:
"ADI's campaign to end experiments on primates has received overwhelming public support and backing from the European Parliament.  Having met with Commissioner Dimas in early January, we hope that our positive dialogue with the Commission will result in a significant change in the use of lab primates in Europe to end their suffering and make Europe a leading force in the latest human-based medical research."

Professor of Clinical Neuroimaging at Birmingham's Aston University, Paul Furlong, who is participating in the seminar, added:"Scientists must seek the most effective, robust and valid methods available to answer questions about the brain. Historically, understanding some aspects of brain function has necessitated invasive methods in human and non-human primates because of a lack of alternative methods.

“But current neuroimaging techniques such as Magnetoencephalography (MEG) and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) funded by the Lord Dowding Fund for Humane Research, now offer significant opportunities to replace non-human primate experimentation in behavioural neuroscience. Increasing evidence to the efficacy of these alternative non-invasive techniques for human-based studies is important and it is timely that this issue is to be debated at the European Parliament."

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