MP backs motion for animal-free research

Easington’s MP is calling on the Government to urgently accelerate the development of more human relevant, animal-free research in the UK.

Grahame Morris is among more than 100 cross-party MPs who have signed Early Day Motion (EDM) 256, tabled by Sir David Amess MP in partnership with the Alliance for Human Relevant Science, lobbying for more financial and infrastructure support for ‘humane, humanrelevant science’.

According to the Cruelty Free International organisation, more than 3.4million animal experiments take place annually in the UK and just one out of an analysis of 27 reported ‘medical breakthroughs’ resulted in any tangible benefit to human drug discovery over the subsequent 20 years.

In addition, it says over 90% of drugs fail to reach the market even after they have been successfully tested in animals.

The motion argues that the UK can reap proven public health, economic and business advantages by accelerating the uptake of scientific methods which are more relevant to human health.

Mr Morris said: “I am delighted that the EDM on accelerating human relevant science has surpassed 100 signatures.

“It is vital that this issue is highlighted, as a shift to human relevant science and the implementation of new approach methodologies would enable us to deliver safer medicines more efficiently and at a lower cost.

“It is an honour to chair the All-Party Parliamentary Group on this subject and I have been very encouraged by our work so far in engaging with regulatory bodies and ministers to stress the need for real change.”