NC3Rs RSS Feed

Blog: Applying smarter science to cancer research

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Can non-animal methods speed up the discovery of anticancer therapies?

Blog: Why not use human material for medical research?

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Is this a viable alternative to using animals for gastrointestinal research? Professor Sanger’s research suggests it could be

Blog: Taking memory research to Parliament

Thu, 9 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

NC3Rs PhD student Kamar Ameen-Ali takes us on a trip to the House of Commons SET for BRITAIN event

Industry evidence sets animal welfare benchmark for short-term toxicity studies

Thu, 2 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

10% upper limit of bodyweight loss sufficient to determine maximum-tolerated dose

Blog: Replacing rodents in CNS studies

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Professor Sue Barnett challenges the dogma that animal studies of spinal cord injury can't be replaced

An evidence-based approach to define the upper limit of body weight loss in short term toxicity studies

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Short term toxicity studies are conducted in animals to provide information on major adverse effects typically at the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Such studies are important from a scientific and ethical perspective as they are used to make decisions on progres

Blog: Using maths to reduce animal experiments

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Maths Study Group is helping biologists to think about their 3Rs problems in ways they never had before.

NC3Rs launches new blog

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Read about the 3Rs prize-winning lung-on-a-chip microdevice on the new NC3Rs blog

NC3Rs-funded researchers compete at SET for BRITAIN

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Maria Vinci and Kamar Ameen-Ali present NC3Rs-funded research at annual House of Commons event for National Science & Engineering Week

NC3Rs Board Chair Recruitment

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Professor Ian Kimber will step down as Board Chair in July. We are seeking a successor to lead the NC3Rs Board for the next 3 years

Pioneering better science: A year in milestones

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

NC3Rs 2012 Annual Report published

‘Lung-on-a-chip’ awarded prize for animal replacement potential

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

2012 3Rs prize recognises potential to revolutionise preclinical drug testing

A refreshed visual identity for the NC3Rs

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The NC3Rs today launches a refreshed visual identity and strapline to reflect the changes and evolution of our organisation.

£1 million boost for infrastructure and networks to reduce animal use in science

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Infrastructure for Impact Award scheme

£993,000 challenge funding awarded to develop animal research alternatives and refinements

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

CRACK IT seeks proof-of-concepts to replace, reduce and refine animal use across efficacy and safety testing

NC3Rs-funded researcher honoured in Nikon’s Small World in Motion competition

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Time-lapse imaging technique shows just how quickly kidney complexity is formed over four days

12 new NC3Rs PhD studentships announced

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The NC3Rs commits £1.08 million to training of early career scientists under 2012 Studentships Scheme

Optimising diet boosts zebrafish survival

Wed, 9 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

NC3Rs poster prize winner featured on Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute blog

Best practice video tutorial launches on aseptic techniques in rodent surgery

Mon, 7 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A new comprehensive video tutorial to help research workers apply best practice in aseptic surgical techniques in laboratory rodents has been produced by Newcastle University in collaboration with the NC3Rs

Implementation of the ARRIVE guidelines

Wed, 5 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Our response to the commentary in Nature on the ARRIVE guidelines

Reducing the number of fish in bioconcentration studies for plant protection products

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Fish bioconcentration tests are time consuming, expensive, and use many animals. Alternative methods that

New tutorial on aseptic technique in rodent surgery

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

New tutorial added to the Procedures With Care website

Discovery using non-sentient model offers new treatment for epilepsy

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

NC3Rs funded research in Neuropharmacology

Continual trial spontaneous object recognition

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Reduction of animal numbers in a common task of memory in laboratory animals

Using mathematics to meet the challenge of reducing animal experiments

Thu, 8 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We have announced four new grants totalling nearly £750k for research to replace and reduce the use of animals in toxicity tests by using novel mathematical approaches

EPAA Annual Conference 2012

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Development and implementation of 3R methodologies through international cooperation

The Rabbit Grimace Scale – a new method for pain assessment in rabbits

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

NC3Rs-funded research in PLoS ONE

Job opportunities available at the NC3Rs

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We are currently seeking to appoint three new members of staff

Record amount awarded for research to reduce animal experiments and improve animal welfare

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The NC3Rs has today announced 21 new grants totalling £5.1 million for research to replace, reduce and refine the use of animals in science - referred to as 'the 3Rs'. This is the largest single allocation of funding ever made for 3Rs research in the UK

First Summer School for NC3Rs PhD students

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Held in June, for the initial ten students funded under our Studentship Scheme

Time is ripe for better monitoring of UK efforts to improve the lot of laboratory animals

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Annual Home Office statistics cannot reveal progress with the 3Rs

3Rs poster prize at ASAB/SEB/NC3Rs symposium

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

£1k prize awarded to Miss Kamar Ameen-Ali for a poster describing her 3Rs-led work on spontaneous recognition memory in rats

Boost to funding for 3Rs research

Wed, 4 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Science Minister, David Willetts MP, has announced £3 million of new funding for the NC3Rs

Reducing the use of recovery animals in pharmaceutical development

Tue, 3 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The NC3Rs and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have announced a new joint initiative designed to reduce the use of animals in pharmaceutical development

Framework launched for evaluating progress in the 3Rs

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The NC3Rs has published a new evaluation framework for assessing its performance and impact - the first ever evaluation framework on the 3Rs

Exceptional researchers awarded David Sainsbury Fellowships for alternatives in animal research

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The NC3Rs has announced the first recipients of its David Sainsbury Fellowships

Open letter from the UK funding bodies

Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

UK funding bodies have written to Universities to improve the design and reporting of animal research

Predicting the emetic liability of novel chemical entities: a comparative study

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Background and purpose: Emesis is a multi-system reflex, which is usually investigated using in vivo models. The aim of the study is to compare the response induced by emetic compounds across species, and investigate whether dogs, ferrets and rats are all similarly pred

2011 Annual Report published

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

3Rs science has moved from margin to mainstream – NC3Rs reports increased commitment and enthusiasm

CRACK IT award to develop tiny wireless recorders

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

£500,000 awarded to research team to meet a challenge posed by Lilly

Maximising the output of osteoarthritis research: the ARRIVE guidelines

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Editorial on the ARRIVE guidelines in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage.

£900,000 awarded to develop tests for cancer-causing chemicals using fewer animals

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The NC3Rs has awarded £900,000 across two grants to Swansea and Brunel Universities

Awards made under the 2011 Studentship Scheme

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Fifteen awards have been made under the PhD studentship scheme this year

Common Marmoset Care

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A new interactive website which provides information on how best to care for common marmosets in captivity

Use of TK to support chemical evaluation: Informing high does selection and study interpretation

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Toxicokinetic (TK) information can substantially enhance the value of the data generated from toxicity testing, and is an integral part of pharmaceutical safety assessment. It is less widely used in the chemical, agrochemical and consumer products industries, but recogn

Laboratory macaques: when to wean?

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Worldwide there is large variation in the age at which young macaques destined for use in research are permanently separated from their mothers, and in the subsequent social environment in which they are reared. This stems from variation in minimum weaning ages and rear

The design of chronic toxicology studies of monoclonal antibodies

Sun, 6 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The changing environment of monoclonal antibody (mAb) development is impacting on the cost of drug development and the use of experimental animals, particularly non-human primates (NHPs). The drive to reduce these costs is huge and involves rethinking and improving nonc

NC3Rs is moving to the Joint-electronic Submission (Je-S) system

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

From 2012, all grant applications must be submitted via Je-S and both new applications and existing grants will be managed via the Research Councils’ Shared Services Centre.

Opportunities to minimise animal use in pharmaceutical regulatory general toxicology: A cross company review

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Toxicity studies in animals are carried out to identify the intrinsic hazard of a substance to support risk assessment for humans. In order to identify opportunities to minimise animal use in regulatory toxicology studies, a review of current study designs was carried o

Systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical research: the need for reporting guidelines

Wed, 5 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Animal studies are often used to inform clinical practice, but is the decision to conduct clinical trials supported by reliable laboratory evidence? One would expect that the answer to this would be yes and the decision to test a new treatment in humans to be based on c

Considerations regarding non-human primate use in safety assessment of biopharmaceuticals

Sun, 2 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Selection of a pharmacologically responsive species can represent a major challenge in designing nonclinical safety assessment programs for many biopharmaceuticals (eg, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)). Frequently, the only relevant species for nonclinical testing of mAbs

Better reporting of animal tests needed to maximise their benefits

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

New editorial published in European Heart Journal

Research Review 2011

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The NC3Rs has published the first review of its research portfolio

Cracking the challenge – reducing our reliance on animal research while promoting scientific innovation and development

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

New funding scheme launched by the NC3Rs

Response to Westlund’s commentary: ‘Can conditioned reinforcers and variable-ratio schedules make food- and fluid-control redundant?'

Thu, 1 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

In this short communication, we respond to Westlund's critique of the NC3Rs Working Group report on refinement of the use of food and fluid control as motivational tools for macaques used in behavioural neuroscience research. The suggestions Westlund makes - in par

Cell transformation assays for prediction of carcinogenic potential: state of the science and future research needs

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Cell transformation assays (CTAs) have long been proposed as in vitro methods for the identification of potential chemical carcinogens. Despite showing good correlation with rodent bioassay data, concerns over the subjective nature of using morphological criteria for id

Review of publicly funded primate research

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Response to the Bateson review of research using non-human primates

NC3Rs leading the Coalition Government’s pledge to work to reduce animal use

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Response to the statement made in Parliament by Home Office Minister Lynne Featherstone MP

£2.3M awarded for 3Rs research

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The NC3Rs has awarded nine new project and pilot grants under its 3Rs Reasearch Funding Scheme.

Toward an integrated human clearance prediction strategy that minimizes animal use

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Prediction of human clearance plays a critical role in early drug discovery and development. However, there is no consensus on the most appropriate method to gather such data. A variety of in vivo and in vitro methods exist and a comparison of in vitr

Animal models of asthma: value, limitations and opportunities for alternative approaches

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Asthma remains an area of considerable unmet medical need. Few new drugs have made it to the clinic during the past 50 years, with many that perform well in preclinical animal models of asthma, failing in humans owing to lack of safety and efficacy. The failure to trans

Launch of the David Sainsbury Fellowship Scheme

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT
The NC3Rs has today announced the launch of its new flagship fellowship scheme to support exceptional early career scientists in the discovery of new ways of replacing, reducing and refining the use of animals in scientific research (the 3Rs)

2011 EPAA 3Rs Communication Prize

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT
Deadline for submissions is 05 September 2011

Improving the reporting of animal research: when will we ARRIVE?

Sat, 7 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21555328

Job opportunities available at the NC3Rs

Fri, 6 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT
The NC3Rs is currently seeking to appoint three new members of staff

Alternative (non-animal) methods for cosmetics testing: current status and future prospects - 2010

Sun, 1 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The 7th amendment to the EU Cosmetics Directive prohibits to put animal-tested cosmetics on the market in Europe after 2013. In that context, the European Commission invited stakeholder bodies (industry, non-governmental organisations, EU Member States, and the Commissi

A statistical evaluation of the effects of gender differences in assessment of acute inhilation toxicology

Tue, 1 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Acute inhalation toxicity of chemicals has conventionally been assessed by the median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) test (organisation for economic co-operation and development (OECD) TG 403). Two new methods, the recently adopted acute toxic class met

Leading UK scientist wins NC3Rs prize for improving lab animal welfare

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT
A study to reduce stress and anxiety in laboratory mice was today awarded the 2010 NC3Rs prize for advances in animal welfare (Tuesday 25 January 2011)

Studentships awarded

Mon, 6 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT
The NC3Rs has awarded five new PhD studentships to leading UK research groups

The NC3Rs has moved office

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT
The NC3Rs is now based at the Wellcome Trust's Gibbs Building

Ethics of primate use

Fri, 5 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This article provides an overview of the ethical issues raised by the use of non-human primates (NHPs) in research involving scientific procedures which may cause pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm. It is not an exhaustive review of the literature and views on th

Challenging the requirement for chronic fish toxicity studies on formulated plant protection products

Tue, 2 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Ecotoxicity testing of pesticide active ingredients and formulated plant protection products (PPPs) prior to their commercial use is required by authorities around the world. Such studies are important for the conduct of risk assessments to protect wildlife and the envi

Recent papers

Tue, 2 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT
To keep you up-to-date on some of the latest published work with implications for the 3Rs.

The predictive validity of the rat self-administration model for abuse liability

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The self-administration model is the primary non-clinical approach for assessing the reinforcing properties of novel compounds. Given the now frequent use of rats in self-administration studies, it is important to understand the predictive validity of the rat self-admin

Programme Manager position available at the NC3Rs

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Research Funding Manager

Refinement of the use of food and fluid control as motivational tools for macaques used in behavioural neuroscience research: report of a working group of the NC3Rs

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This report provides practical guidance on refinement of the use of food and fluid control as motivational tools for macaques used in behavioural neuroscience research. The guidance is based on consideration of the scientific literature and, where data are lacking, expe

Refining food and fluid control with macaques

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Guidance published in Journal of Neuroscience Methods

'Procedures With Care'

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT
New training resource on administration of substances

NC3Rs funding new asthma research to replace animals used in experiments

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Two UK based research projects totalling just under £1 million have been awarded by the NC3Rs to develop innovative research techniques to find new treatments for asthma.

Recommended techniques for handling lab mice to reduce anxiety

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Study published in Nature Methods

New Board members appointed

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Professor Maggie Dallman and Dr Ian Ragan will serve on the Board for 3-year terms from October 2010

New cancer 3D technology helps to reduce animal experiments

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Over £4 million for 13 research projects that aim to replace, reduce or refine the use of animals in research and testing was announced on 26 July 2010 by the NC3Rs.

Improving bioscience research reporting: ARRVE-ing at a solution

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Link: http://la.rsmjournals.com/content/44/4/377

New policy on custom-made antibodies

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Animal welfare standards expected of suppliers

The value of acute toxicity studies to support the clinical management of overdose and poisoning: a cross-discipline consensus

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Acute toxicity studies are no longer required to support first clinical trials of pharmaceuticals in man. However, it is unclear in the wording of the revised ICH M3 whether acute toxicity studies are required later in drug development (e.g. phase 3) in order to support

Guidelines for reporting experiments involving animals: The ARRIVE guidelines

Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

British Journal of Pharmacology (BJP) is pleased to publish a new set of guidelines for reporting research involving animals, simultaneously with several other journals; the 'ARRIVE' guidelines (Animals in Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments). This editoria

Make every animal experiment count

Fri, 2 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

After years of defensiveness, a siege mentality and the stonewalling of any criticism, a quiet revolution is under way in animal research.

What has triggered this change of heart? It's partly down to the economic climate plus fewer new medicines - despite

Pseudoislets as primary islet replacements for research: report on a symposium at King's College London, London UK

Thu, 1 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Laboratory-based research aimed at understanding processes regulating insulin secretion and mechanisms underlying ß-cell dysfunction and loss in diabetes often makes use of rodents, as these processes are in many respects similar between rats/mice and humans. Inde

Improving bioscience research reporting: The ARRIVE guidelines for reporting animal research

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
In the last decade the number of bioscience journals has increased enormously, with many filling specialised niches reflecting new disciplines and technologies. The emergence of open-access journals has revolutionised the publication process, maximising the availability of

Guidelines ARRIVE to improve reporting of animal experiments

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Published in PLoS Biology

NC3Rs seeking new Board Members

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Deadline for applications is 31 July 2010

EPAA 3Rs Communication Prize

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Deadline for submissions is 15 September 2010

Welfare of the minipig with special reference to use in regulatory toxicology

Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This paper reviews the animal welfare challenges associated with the use of minipigs in toxicology testing, and compares these to published knowledge on the other widely used non-rodent species (dogs and non-human primates). Welfare challenges arise from housing and man

Revised guidelines for the welfare of animals in cancer research

Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Guidelines for the welfare and use of animals in cancer research have been published in the British Journal of Cancer

Guidelines for the welfare and use of animals in cancer research

Tue, 25 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Animal experiments remain essential to understand the fundamental mechanisms underpinning malignancy and to discover improved methods to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. Excellent standards of animal care are fully consistent with the conduct of high quality cancer r

Cross-sector review of drivers and available 3Rs approaches for acute systemic toxicity testing

Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Acute systemic toxicity studies are carried out in many sectors in which synthetic chemicals are manufactured or used, and are among the most criticized of all toxicology tests on both scientific and ethical grounds. A review of the drivers for acute toxicity testing wi

Newcastle University to investigate euthanasia of laboratory rodents

Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT
The NC3Rs has selected Newcastle University to receive a strategic award of £300k to establish methods of humane killing of laboratory rodents

Review highlights opportunities to avoid unnecessary acute toxicity testing

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Leaflet of key points produced to disseminate findings more widely

Recent advances in telemetry promote further progress in reduction and refinement

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Jessica E. Grenwis, Data Sciences International (DSI)

Responsible research

Mon, 1 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The rate of new drug approvals has remained largely unchanged for 60 years, despite a huge increase in investment (currently at $50 billion per year). It has been documented on a regular basis that the drug development model has become unaffordable, is limited in its cu

Opportunities to minimise animal testing under REACH

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT
New leaflet published by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

Funding available from CAAT to find alternatives in toxicology

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Apply for funding to help implement 'Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century'

New way to grow embryonic stem cells holds promise of dramatic reduction in animal use

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT
The winner of this year's annual NC3Rs 3Rs Prize has developed a new method of priming early embryos to form embryonic stem (ES) cells

The future of non-human primate use in mAb development

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It has been predicted that the use of non-human primates (NHPs) is going to increase considerably in the development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Opportunities exist to focus on a rigorous, science-based approach to drug development, however, which will minimize thi

Acute toxicity testing of chemicals: opportunities to avoid redundant testing and use alternative approaches

Fri, 1 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Assessment of the acute systemic oral, dermal, and inhalation toxicities, skin and eye irritancy, and skin sensitisation potential of chemicals is required under regulatory schemes worldwide. In vivo studies conducted to assess these endpoints can sometimes be

Studentships awarded to attract top graduates to the 3Rs

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT
The NC3Rs has awarded its first PhD studentships to five leading UK research groups

Mathematical models in cardiac electrophysiology research: implications for the 3Rs

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT
Martin Fink, Penelope J Noble & Denis Noble FRS, Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford

Survey of the quality of experimental design, statistical analysis and reporting of research using laboratory animals

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For scientific, ethical and economic reasons, experiments involving animals should be appropriately designed, correctly analysed and transparently reported. This increases the scientific validity of the results, and maximises the knowledge gained from each experiment. A

Social bookmarking, RSS feeds and embedded video added to website

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT
The NC3Rs website has undergone a programme of improvements which includes social bookmarking, RSS feeds and embedded video clips.

Working in partnership to advance the 3Rs in toxicity testing

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Toxicological assessment of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical chemicals is a regulatory requirement to ensure all compounds likely to be exposed to humans or the environment are safe. These studies rely on the use of large numbers of animals and involve a number of

New NC3Rs poster available

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT
A poster highlighting the ways in which the NC3Rs works with scientists, animal technicians and veterinarians to drive advances in all three ‘Rs’ is now available.

Preclinical development of monoclonal antibodies: considerations for the use of non-human primates

Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The development of mAbs remains high on the therapeutic agenda for the majority of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Often, the only relevant species for preclinical safety assessment of mAbs are non-human primates (NHPs), and this raises important scientific,

Human clearance prediction: shifting the paradigm

Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There is a growing momentum to use in vitro methods, nestled in in silico physiologically based pharmacokinetic models as the primary source of prediction of human clearance. This represents a shift in the paradigm for predictions in humans, which has

ECVAM Scientific Advisory Committee - Open Call for expression of interest

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT
The European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM), part of the European Commission Joint Research Centre, is renewing its Advisory Structure.

European Commission / European cosmetic industry research funding for alternatives to animal testing

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT
In a unique joint effort, the European cosmetic industry has decided to match research funds made available by the European Commission under the 7th RTD Framework Programme.

Application of toxicokinetics to improve chemical risk assessment: implications for the use of animals

Fri, 7 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

While toxicokinetics has become an integral part of pharmaceutical safety assessment over the last two decades, its use in the chemical industry is relatively new. However, it is recognised as a potentially important tool in human health risk assessment and recent initi

Funding for alternatives to animal research nearly doubles compared to previous year

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT
Funding of £4.5 million for 13 new projects that aim to replace, reduce or refine the use of animals in research and testing was announced today (29 July 2009) by the NC3Rs.

New Board Members announced

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT
Three new members have been appointed to join the NC3Rs Board. Dr Phil Botham, Professor Jamie Davies and Mr Neil Yates will serve on the Board for three year terms from 15 July 2009.

Engineering tissue alternatives to animals: applying tissue engineering to basic research and safety testing

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The focus for the rapid progress in the field of tissue engineering has been the clinical potential of the technology to repair, replace, maintain or enhance the function of a particular tissue or organ. However, tissue engineering has much wider applicability in basic

Opportunities for the replacement of animals in the study of nausea and vomiting

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Nausea and vomiting are among the most common symptoms encountered in medicine as either symptoms of disease or side effects of treatments. Developing novel anti-emetics and identifying emetic liability in novel chemical entities rely on models that can recreate the com

Less is more: reducing the reliance on animal models for nausea and vomiting research

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Animals have been used as experimental models for centuries and their use has enabled researchers to make significant advances in many areas of human health and disease. However, this is not always the case and there are limitations in using animal models as surrogates

Are acute toxicity studies required to support overdose for new medicines?

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Our recent evidence-based review of the requirement for acute toxicity studies in pharmaceutical drug development demonstrated that acute toxicity studies are not useful to support the first clinical trial in humans (Robinson et al., 2008). Additional analysis of our da

New leaflet highlights benefits of the 3Rs

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT
The NC3Rs has produced a new leaflet which explains what the 3Rs are, and how they can benefit science, innovation and animal welfare.

Nanotechnology: applying the 3Rs to risk assessment

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT
Dr Barry Park, Oxonica & Dr Patricia Martin, Product Assessment and Regulatory Compliance

An improved containment system for experimentally infected macaques

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT
Dr Mike J Dennis, Health Protection Agency, Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response

Moving 'Beyond animal research' with virtual twin experimentation

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT
After challenging New Scientist magazine readers to articulate how scientific advances could do away with animal research, a judging panel has chosen a winner.

Automated blood sampling and the 3Rs

Tue, 5 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT
Ann Holmberg, DiLab AB, and Robert Pelletier, DiLab Inc.

Assuring consumer safety without animals: applications for tissue engineering

Wed, 1 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Humans are exposed to a variety of chemicals in their everyday lives through interactions with the environment and through the use of consumer products. It is a basic requirement that these products are tested to assure they are safe under normal and reasonably foreseea

Refinements in husbandry, care and common procedures for non-human primates

Wed, 1 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This report produced by the British Veterinary Association Animal Welfare Foundation (BVAAWF)/Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments (FRAME)/Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)/Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UF

Research showcased at Westminster event to mark the 3Rs anniversary

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT
UK scientists showcased their latest work to replace, reduce and refine the use of animals in research and testing at an NC3Rs event held in the House of Lords yesterday (Wednesday 25 March)

NC3Rs seeking new Board Members

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT
Candidates should be respected individuals with a proven track record in relevant research and display a commitment to the development of all three 'Rs'

New report on refining non-human primate care and use

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT
Ninth report of the BVAAWF/FRAME/RSPCA/UFAW Joint Working Group on Refinement

New guidance on sharing and archiving genetically altered mice

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT
The RSPCA, MRC, Cancer Research UK, BBSRC and NC3Rs are launching new guidance in the form of a booklet aimed at scientists working with animals

Essay competition challenge to think beyond animal research

Thu, 5 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT
The head of the government-funded NC3Rs calls for futuristic ideas for reducing animal use over the next three decades

Botulinum toxin: applying the 3Rs to product potency testing

Thu, 5 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT
Dr Dorothea Sesardic and Dr Rose Gaines Das, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control

Alternatives to animals

Wed, 4 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

How long will it be before we can wave goodbye to experiments involving animals? This question, which causes more antagonism than just about any other issue in science, is about to come to a head again: after 23 years, the European Union legislation governing the use of

Prize for replacing animal use in sight-saving research

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT
The winners of the 3Rs prize for 2008 are Dr Martin and Mr Johnson

New video clips on blood sampling from rodents

Thu, 8 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT
Four new video clips have been added to the NC3Rs Blood Sampling Microsite, to assist with staff training. A fifth is available on request.

New DVD on training laboratory primates

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT
A DVD titled 'Training laboratory primates' has been produced by EUPRIM-Net, an EU-funded network of eight primate research centres.

Investment in alternatives to animal research rises for fifth consecutive year

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT
The NC3Rs has announced funding of £2.6 million for ten new projects that aim to replace, reduce or refine the use of animals in research and testing.

Home Office publishes statistics on the use of animals in scientific procedures in 2007

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT
The number of procedures carried out in 2007 was just over 3.2 million, a rise of approximately 6 per cent (189,500) on 2006.

New NC3Rs Board Chair is Professor Ian Kimber

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Professor Ian Kimber, University of Manchester, has been appointed as the new Chair of the Board of the NC3Rs.

NHMRC guidelines on the assessment and alleviation of pain and distress in research animals

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Although primarily to be used by investigators and members of Animal Ethics Committees in Australia, the new Guidelines are relevant to those conducting, reviewing and managing research with animals elsewhere in the World.

Intelligent testing strategies in ecotoxicology

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Professor Tom Hutchinson, Plymouth Marine Laboratory

Major UK funders publish common rules for animal research

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Five of the UK's major funders of animal research today published common guidelines for using animals in research.

NC3Rs seeking new Board Chair

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
The NC3Rs is a scientific organisation at the forefront of applying the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) to the use of animals in research in the biosciences.

A double win – tackling developing world disease and reducing use of animals in research

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT
The winner of the third annual 3Rs Prize is Dr Charlotte Gower

Use of thousands of animals avoided as test proved redundant

Tue, 8 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Important step taken to reduce animals used in specific safety test for new medicines

Cefic-LRI and EUROTOX Innovative Science Award

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Details €100,000 prize and invitation for grant applications

The LifeShirt PreClinical System is a significant advance towards answering the call of the 3Rs

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Dr P. Alexander Derchak, VivoMetrics Inc.

Government funding for NC3Rs to more than double

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Ian Pearson, Minister of State for Science and Innovation has announced that funding for the NC3Rs is set to more than double over the next three years.

A European pharmaceutical company initiative challenging the regulatory requirement for acute toxicity studies in pharmaceutical drug development

Wed, 5 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Regulatory guidelines indicate acute toxicity studies in animals are considered necessary for pharmaceuticals intended for human use. This is the only study type where lethality is mentioned as an endpoint. The studies are carried out, usually in rodents, to support mar

Cash boost for increased investment in 3Rs research

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Ian Pearson, Minister for Science and Innovation announces £2.4m for 11 new 3Rs projects

Validating refinements to laboratory housing: asking the animals

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Dr Chris M Sherwin, Centre for Behavioural Biology, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol

Researchers to be surveyed for views on replacing use of animals

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT
The aim of the survey is to find out what researchers know about the 3Rs in animal research and how relevant they are to their daily working lives.

Lord Turnberg stands down as Chair of the NC3Rs Board

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT
The process of appointing a successor is currently underway and the Deputy Chair, Professor Paul Flecknell, will fulfil the duties of the Chair until an appointment has been made.

Initiative to improve genotoxicity assays and reduce animal use

Fri, 6 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT
A European collaborative project to improve the accuracy of the in vitro tests used to predict the cancer-causing potential or 'carcinogenicity' of compounds such as pharmaceutical medicines is being initiated by Covance, with funding from the NC3Rs and ECVAM.

Identifying laboratory rodents using earprints

Thu, 5 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Mr Jens Cameron, DiLab, Sweden; Dr Christina Jacobson, AstraZeneca R&D, Sweden; Dr Kenneth Nilsson, Halmstad University, Sweden; Professor Thorsteinn Rögnvaldsson, Halmstad University, Sweden

Response to Weatherall Report on primate use

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT
The NC3Rs welcomes the endorsement for the work being done by the NC3Rs, but is disappointed that the report does not go far enough in mapping priorities.

Challenging the requirement for acute toxicity studies – workshop report published

Fri, 11 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT
As part of a collaboration between the NC3Rs and the European pharmaceutical industry a working group of 15 international companies have been sharing and analysing the value of data from single dose rodent acute toxicity studies.

Can animals be replaced in the study of a multi-system reflex?

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT
NC3Rs is embarking on an ambitious and exciting project to review the use of animals in nausea and emesis research.

Zebrafish as an alternative model organism for disease modelling and drug discovery: implications for the 3Rs

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Dr Angeleen Fleming, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research

Scientists impress MPs with work to minimise the use of animals

Fri, 9 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Researchers who were most successful in communicating their 3Rs research to Parliamentarians at a showcase event in Portcullis House, were awarded prizes of £2k.

Voiceless Eureka Prize for research which replaces the use of animals or animal products

Fri, 9 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT
The Voiceless Eureka Prize for Research which Replaces the Use of Animals or Animal Products is sponsored by the Sherman Foundation.

The Humane Society of the United States presents the 2007 Russell and Burch Award

Tue, 20 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT
The award is designed to recognise individual scientists who have made significant changes or improvements in how animals are utilised in the laboratory.

Use of primates in drug testing could be reduced

Mon, 5 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Use of primates in the safety testing of monoclonal antibodies prior to clinical trials could be reduced by the wider application of existing technologies, according to a paper published in the February issue of Nature Reviews Drug Discovery.

Refinement of rodent research through environmental enrichment and systematic randomization

Fri, 2 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Professor Dr Hanno Würbel, Division of Animal Welfare and Ethology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen; Dr Joseph P. Garner, Animal Sciences, Purdue University

NC3Rs Blood Sampling Microsite launched

Fri, 2 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT
To assist with refinement of blood sampling, the NC3Rs has launched a Blood Sampling Microsite

Training laboratory-housed non-human primates, part 1: a UK survey

Thu, 1 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Training using positive reinforcement is increasingly recognised as a valuable tool for the humane and effective management and use of laboratory-housed non-human primates. We utilised a mixed-mode questionnaire to survey use of training and other learning processes (so

Preclinical safety testing of monoclonal antibodies: the significance of species relevance

Thu, 1 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Selecting a pharmacologically relevant animal species for testing the safety and toxicity of novel monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapies to support clinical testing can be challenging. Frequently, the species of choice is the primate. With the increased number of mAbs in

Prize for improving welfare of hamsters used in medical research

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT
The winner of the second annual 3Rs Prize is Professor Alan Fairlamb.

The FELASA Award - a major new award for laboratory animal science within Europe

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT
FELASA has established a triennial Award to recognise and reward a defined piece of original scientific work.

Showcasing the 3Rs in Parliament

Fri, 27 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT
The NC3Rs will be holding a poster event in Westminster on 28 February 2007 to showcase the latest examples of 3Rs research for MPs, Peers and other important stakeholders.

Science and the 3Rs – a joint NC3Rs/ Biosciences Federation symposium

Fri, 27 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT
The NC3Rs in partnership with the Bioscience Federation's Animal Sciences Group is hosting a one-day symposium.

The Slug Mucosal Irritation assay: an alternative assay for local tolerance testing

Mon, 11 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT
Dr Els Adriaens, Lab Pharmaceutical Technology, Ghent University

Report of CO₂ euthanasia meeting published

Fri, 11 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the most commonly used methods of rodent euthanasia.

Co-developer of the 3Rs concept dies aged 81

Fri, 4 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT
Professor William Russell, who originally developed the concept of the 3Rs with his colleague Rex Burch, sadly died on 27 July 2006 at the age of 81.

Re-using cow eyes to help replace animal tests

Mon, 31 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT
A proposal to re-use cow eyes left over as abattoir waste, as a replacement for animal tests, is one of nine projects that have been awarded funding by the NC3Rs

Home Office Animal Statistics for 2005 show small rise

Mon, 24 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT
The Home Office has announced the publication of the 2005 annual statistics on animal research.

Finding new homes for ex-laboratory and surplus zoo primates

Sat, 1 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT

This article is written to assist organizations which may be considering "rehoming" primates and draws upon the experience of members of the Primate Society of Great Britain (PSGB) Captive Care Working Party. Rehoming ex-laboratory and surplus zoo primates is

2006 European Animal Welfare and Alternatives Awards

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT
Applications are now being accepted for the 2006 European Animal Welfare and Alternatives Awards.

New CD-ROM on humane endpoints

Tue, 13 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT
A CD-ROM entitled 'Humane endpoints in laboratory animal experimentation' has been produced through an initiative of the Netherlands Association for Laboratory Animal Science (NVP).

Recent papers - Non-invasive imaging of animals

Wed, 10 May 2006 00:00:00 GMT
To keep you up-to-date on some of the latest published work with implications for the 3Rs

An update on the Innovative Medicines Initiative and its implications for the 3Rs

Fri, 5 May 2006 00:00:00 GMT
Dr Ian Ragan, CIR Consulting Ltd.

3Rs studies considered for DTI Safety Biomarker funding

Mon, 3 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT
Research into safety biomarkers may have implications for the 3Rs (reduction, refinement and replacement of animals in research).

Assessing the welfare of genetically altered mice

Sat, 1 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT

In 2003, under the auspices of the main UK funders of biological and biomedical research, a working group was established with a remit to review potential welfare issues for genetically altered (GA) mice, to summarize current practice, and to recommend contemporary best

Grants for refinements of animal studies available

Mon, 27 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT
The ECLAM/ESLAV Foundation is a charitable organisation that funds studies for the discovery, validation and implementation of refinement of the care and use of animals in research.

Recent papers - Tissue engineering and cell cultures

Fri, 10 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT
To keep you up-to-date on some of the latest published work with implications for the 3Rs

Refinement benefits animal welfare and quality of science

Wed, 1 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT
Professor Merel Ritskes-Hoitinga, FELASA President, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre; Line Bjoerndal Gravesen, University of Southern Denmark; Inger Marie Jegstrup, University of Southern Denmark

Microdosing and the 3Rs

Wed, 8 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT
Professor Malcolm Rowland, University of Manchester

Inaugural prize given for improving animal welfare in research

Wed, 25 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT
A researcher's innovative approach to refining medical research on animals has been awarded the inaugural Replacement, Refinement and Reduction (3Rs) Prize.

Primate sensory capabilities and communication signals: implications for care and use in the laboratory

Tue, 6 Dec 2005 00:00:00 GMT
Dr Mark Prescott, NC3Rs

Training laboratory-housed non-human primates, part 2: resources for developing and implementing training programmes

Thu, 1 Dec 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Positive reinforcement training is increasingly being used to refine scientific, veterinary and husbandry procedures involving laboratory-housed non-human primates and to enhance primate care and wellbeing. However, there is a need and demand for greater access to resou

Harmonising the definition of refinement

Tue, 1 Nov 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Russell and Burch's Three Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) remain the cornerstone for principles guiding humane experimental research. However, the concept of refinement has evolved considerably since its first inception and there have been numerous interpreta

Bursary available to attend TestSmart DNT symposium in March 2006

Fri, 28 Oct 2005 00:00:00 GMT
Any UK delegate who has submitted a poster to this symposium will be eligible to enter for the bursary which will cover registration, accommodation, travel and subsistence (up to £2k in total per delegate).

Making sense of scents: reducing aggression and uncontrolled variation in laboratory mice

Tue, 30 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT
Professor Jane Hurst, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, University of Liverpool

Biophotonic imaging and the reduction of animal usage in experimental research

Mon, 25 Jul 2005 00:00:00 GMT
Dr Kevin P Francis, Xenogen Corporation

£1million for new projects to replace, refine and reduce animal experiments

Wed, 6 Jul 2005 00:00:00 GMT
The NC3Rs today announces new grants for pioneering research projects.

Mutation induction in mice: reduction in practice

Fri, 10 Jun 2005 00:00:00 GMT
Dr Yuri E Dubrova, Department of Genetics, University of Leicester

The NC3Rs announces increased funding for the 3Rs and welcomes the Nuffield Council report

Wed, 25 May 2005 00:00:00 GMT
The National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) announces today that it has been awarded additional money from the Government.

Pharmaceutical industry backs 3Rs centre with sponsorship of new post

Thu, 27 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT
A three-year sponsorship of a new scientific post at the NC3Rs that demonstrates the pharmaceutical industry's continued commitment to the centres objectives has been announced by the ABPI.

Guidance on the transport of laboratory animals: report of the Transport Working Group established by the Laboratory Animal Science Association (LASA)

Sat, 1 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT

These guidelines define the general principles to be observed when transporting rodents, rabbits, ferrets, dogs, cats, nonhuman primates, minipigs and amphibians including Xenopus for use as laboratory animals. This is an international document and the Group is aware th

The NC3Rs announces new funds and research projects to advance the 3Rs

Mon, 27 Sep 2004 00:00:00 GMT
The first actions of the newly appointed Board of the NC3Rs are announced today.