Although animal experiments have contributed to breakthroughs against diseases such as polio and Parkinson’s, too few systematic reviews have analysed their overall value for humanity, a report from the Nuffield Council on Bioethics found. The Government, medical research bodies, the pharmaceutical industry and animal welfare groups should combine to fund such surveys, which would separate the issues of whether animal experiments are effective and whether they are ethical.

These arguments are often combined to make political points, the Nuffield working group, which included scientists involved in animal research and anti-vivisection campaigners, concluded. “Animal studies can be scientifically valid,” the report says. “Nevertheless, there is a need for continuing review of the scientific case for using animals in research and testing.

“Since the evaluation of the scientific validity of animal research is fundamental to the cost-benefit analysis of any research, we recommend that the Home Office, with major funders of research, animal protection groups and industry associations, should consider ways of funding and carrying out these reviews.”

The panel, chaired by Baroness Perry of Southwark, convened two years ago. Its 18 participants included Mark Matfield, a former director of the Research Defence Society, which represents scientists who conduct such research, and Michelle Thew, a leading anti-vivisectionist from the Animal Protection Institute. The panel unanimously condemned violence against people engaged in animal research and established a goal of conducting medical research without animal suffering or death.

Another key recommendation was that more investment be directed towards the “Three Rs” — refining, reducing and replacing animal experiments.

The Government began to address this yesterday by announcing £3 million in new funding for the National Centre for the Three Rs, which was launched last year and previously has been awarded £500,000 in grants.

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