European industry federations agree deal on cutting animal tests
The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) has signed a practical agreement with the European Commission on minimising animal tests used to develop medicines.
The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) has signed a practical agreement with the European Commission on minimising animal tests used to develop medicines.
In an unprecedented deal, also involving other European Union (EU) chemical and cosmetics federations, a voluntary partnership will be created aimed, said the Commission, at 'refining, reducing or replacing animal use'.
A task force will create an action programme by early next year. It will, said Brussels, for instance map current research and strategies; promote cooperation in research; develop intelligent non-animal tests; and improve approval procedures for alternative tests.
The Commission said the programme would be regularly reviewed and published. EU research Commissioner Janez Potocnik stressed: 'We will support the partnership by increasing our efforts to support research, development and evaluation of alternative testing methods'. Indeed, the Commission has promised to develop new in vitro tests; stage workshops on in vitro pharmacology and toxicology; assess current test methods; and develop intelligent testing strategies.