Use Of Animals In Biomedical Research

Use of Animals in Biomedical Research: Understanding the Issues
Over the years, scientists have solved medical problems, cured diseases, and developed vaccines—all by using animals in biomedical research. An important issue, the use of animals in biomedical research, has come under attack by people who seek to portray research as inhumane and wasteful. Knowing the facts surrounding the use ofanimals in research can help determine the outcome of the debate as well as decide how soon cures will be found for deadly diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and AIDS—all of which affect millions of people around the world.

Why Are Animals Used?
Each year more than 20 million animals are used in biomedical research projects, with more than 90 percent of them being mice, rats, and otherrodents. Of the other animal species, about 65,000 dogs, 23,000 cats, and 55,000 primates were used for research purposes in the United States between October 1, 2003 and September 30, 2004, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.4 In most cases, these animals are specifically bred for research purposes and are purchased from animal breeders. Laboratory animals have organs and body systemssimilar to humans and other animals. In many cases, they are susceptible to the same diseases that affect humans. Because of this, the data derived from research on these animals can be applied directly to humans and to other animals as well. While not all biomedical research involves the use of animals, animals are essential in many areas. The short life span of research animals allows scientists tostudy them throughout the entire life cycle—and even through several generations—within a short period of time. Also, using laboratory animals in scientific studies allows researchers precise control over the animals’ environment (light, temperature, ventilation, etc.) to ensure that the animals are healthy and thus keep experimental variables to a minimum. Healthy, well cared-for, adequatelyhoused animals are necessary to produce accurate research results.

Why Do We Need Biomedical Research?
To answer this, we must first understand what “biomedical research” is. Looking at a breakdown of the terms according to the Webster’s Dictionary, we find “bio” meaning “life or living organism,” “medical” meaning “healing; pertaining to the science, study, or practice of medicine, or the art ofhealing diseases,” and “research” meaning “careful, patient, systematic, diligent inquiry or examination in some field of knowledge, undertaken to establish facts or principles”.1 In simplified terms, we can understand from these definitions that biomedical research is the search for ways to heal living organisms such as humans and other animals. Every person in the United States has benefited from theresults of biomedical research. Through biomedical research, scientists strive to better understand the causes of disease; to develop new drugs, vaccines, or procedures to prevent or treat diseases; and to test the safety of products we use every day of our lives. Through the similarities between humans and laboratory animals, we have learned much information about our bodies and how they work. Wecontinue to learn more and are now able to apply that knowledge not only to humans, but to our pets, wildlife, and other animals. Due to medical research, life expectancy in the United States has improved dramatically, from an average of 49 years in 1900 to 69.3 years in 2004.2 By 2030, projections suggest one in five Americans will be 65 or older, and the number of people aged 85 andolder—currently the fastest growing segment of the older population—could exceed 10 million.3 The increase in the number of older Americans is mostly due medical advances that have been based on animal research.

Number of Americans Affected by Diseases
Disease/illness ........................ Number
Cardiovascular disease ................ 61.8 million Hypertension ............................... 50...