Animals in Research
What is Animals in Research?
The use of animals in research is a small but vital part of the process of bringing new medicines to patients. Although advances continue to be made in non-animal alternatives, some animal studies remain necessary to explore and understand fundamental science, as well as to establish the safety and efficacy of new medicines before they reach patients.
Mice are the most commonly used species, with rodents together making up nearly 85% of the animals we use. In 2019 we used approximately 109,000 animals in our own facilities, and a further 35,000 at external contract research organisations.