Vol. 7, Issue 12 (2018)

Author(s):
Leena Rajathy, Port Louis R and Leoney A

Abstract:
Researching and testing using animals have been a practice of scientists for a long time now, and it has proved beneficial, given the medical advancements that were possible due to it. Currently, animals are used in the areas of biological studies of a fundamental nature; research and development; quality control of products and devices for human medicine, dentistry, and for veterinary medicine; preclinical toxicological evaluation; and other safety evaluations of vaccines and antibodies. They are part of development mandatory requirement for testing drugs and medicines in pharma industry throughout the world. The animal experimentation laws, policies, and guidelines followed in countries differ and cover different animals. This review discusses the need for animal research, what for animals are used in research, alternatives to animal testing, and ethics and regulations related to animal research.