Most of the research funded by Heart Research UK does not involve animals, but instead uses cells and tissues in the laboratory, computer models and human volunteers. These non-animal methods play an important part in biomedical research and complement the animal data. However, currently they cannot completely replace the use of animals.
Medical research has saved and improved the lives of millions of people, and animal research has contributed to many of the medical advances we take for granted today. We know research works, and sometimes the use of animals is necessary for medical advances to happen.
Only 50 years ago, more than 70% of heart attacks in the UK ended in death. Today, at least 70% survive. Similarly, 50 years ago, 80% of babies born with a heart defect died before their first birthday but today, 80% survive into adulthood. This couldn’t have happened without medical research funded by Heart Research UK and other organisations.
Animals are only used in research when there is no alternative.
Animals are used in research to:
The biology of humans and other animals, particularly mammals, is remarkably similar. Many animals suffer the same diseases as humans, so can be used to study those diseases. Sometimes, researchers use an ‘animal model’ which mimics the human disease.
The use of animals in research is required to follow the 3Rs:
Replacement: replace animals with alternatives
Refinement: refine experiments to improve animal welfare
Reduction: reduce the numbers of animals used.
Medical research involving animals has led to many life-saving discoveries, including the development of pacemakers, artificial heart valves and advances in heart transplant surgery.
Currently, there is a legal requirement to test all new medicines in animals, to show that they are safe and effective, before they can be tested in people. Animal research played a part in the development of statins and medicines to treat heart attack, heart failure and high blood pressure.
It is vital that we do everything possible to protect animal welfare and the UK has some of the highest standards of laboratory animal welfare in the world.
Research involving animals is governed by strict laws which ensure that animal research is only done when there is no suitable non-animal alternative. Researchers are legally required to use the smallest number of animals and do everything they can to minimise suffering.
All animal research must be approved by the Home Office and three licences are needed:
Researchers must have the necessary training, skills and experience before a personal licence is granted.
Animal research must be approved by an ethics committee which includes members of the public. They must agree that the work is necessary, the animals will be cared for properly and the potential benefits outweigh any suffering to the animals.
Animals used in research are cared for by trained animal technicians and vets who are responsible for their welfare. Any discomfort or suffering must be kept to a minimum by the appropriate use of anaesthetics or painkillers.
There are strict rules about the conditions that animals are kept in, to make sure their needs are met and distress is minimised. For example, animals must have the right sized housing to avoid over-crowding and have access to adequate food and water.
When the research is taking place, there are regular checks by government inspectors to ensure that high welfare standards are maintained.
Funding animal research is not something we take lightly. We expect our researchers to prioritise animal welfare and follow the principles of the 3Rs.
When researchers apply for a grant which involves animals, they must provide additional information and a detailed justification, including:
Then, when applications are assessed by our expert reviewers, we ask them whether the use of animals is appropriate and justified, giving consideration to the 3Rs.
As a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), Heart Research UK supports the principle of using animals in research when it is necessary to advance understanding and to develop better treatments, although only where there is no alternative.
All AMRC member charities support this principle, as outlined in this AMRC position statement.
Learn about the research project we have funded and their impact
Our policies govern how we fund research, and help to ensure that we’re funding the highest quality research.
We fund research which has a focus on heart diseases and research proposals must demonstrate the potential to benefit heart disease patients.