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The European Commission recently published an unequivocal statement on the ongoing need to use animals as models in biomedical research. The statement of support came in response to a petition by PETA calling for an immediate moratorium on the use of animals in scientific research across Europe.
PETA claimed that, according to the results of an investigation, animal experiments as a whole have made only a very small contribution to current scientific knowledge of infectious diseases, neurological disorders, stroke, cancer and many other human diseases.
Although the European Commission's letter states that "the final goal is the full replacement of all animals used in research", the statement itself actually expressed support for the continued use of animals as research models. It said: "Contrary to the petitioners' claim that animal research has only limited value, the fact is that animal studies have made a significant contribution to improving health and quality of life around the world, as well as to longer life expectancy."
These comments are similar to earlier responses by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to a letter published by the European Animal Research Association. The letter highlights the benefits of using animals as models for understanding the coronavirus disease and for helping to find a vaccine for COVID-19.
EARA news digest
Translation: Let the Patients Live