THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH

ANIMAL RESEARCH AND CARE

Frequently Asked Questions About Animal Research and Care at UCSF

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6. Have computers and other technical advances made it possible to reduce the number of animals used in research?

Yes. The number of animals in most species groups used in research has decreased significantly in the past 25 years or so.

Computer models and other high-technology methods, however, are not always complementary to animal research. Even the most sophisticated technology cannot mimic the complicated interactions among cells, tissues, and organs that occur in humans and animals. Researchers must understand these interactions before introducing a new treatment or substance into humans. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration requires that all medical devices and drugs must be tested for safety and efficacy in animals before they can go to human trials.

Because IACUC strongly endorses the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, refinement) approach, all protocols undergo detailed review by IACUC regarding the efforts by researchers to replace animals and reduce the number. This commitment by IACUC continues to keep the number of animals to a minimum.

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