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Use of laboratory animals for research - Actions

 

To reach its goals, sanofi-aventis has implemented various actions:  

• Accreditation of research laboratories
• Measures related to the 3R Principle

Accreditation of research laboratories

Obtaining accreditation from an independent agency as a guarantee of laboratories' compliance with standards

In addition to national monitoring and in order to guarantee that the Group's laboratories comply with the highest quality standards, sanofi-aventis uses the services of an international independent accreditation agency: the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (A.A.A.L.A.C). 

The A.A.A.L.A.C is a scientific organization founded in 1965 that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through a voluntary accreditation program. Assessment is based on procedures as well as on the animals' welfare, the implementation of policies, the animals' environment, housing and veterinary care.  

• Go to the A.A.A.L.A.C website (Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care)

Measures related to the 3R Principle

Sanofi-aventis adheres to the 3R principle and implements the appropriate related measures

The goal is to ensure research animals' optimal health and welfare before, during and after the trial by applying the 3R principle (Reduction /Replacement /Refinement):

• Reduction measures consist of obtaining the same information while decreasing the number of animals used.
• Replacement measures aim at obtaining the same information using lower-order species and alternative methods (without needing to use animals).
• Refinement optimization measures address animal welfare and aim to minimize pain before, during and after research.

Examples of measures that have been implemented

• The Group ensures the appropriate animal is chosen: 95% of the animals used by the Group are small rodents. Whenever possible, lower-order species are used for in vivo studies.
• Sanofi-aventis seeks to limit, as much as possible, all unnecessary experiments, for example, by using non-invasive methods; in 2006, the Group inaugurated a new building for animal imaging.
• Each employee working on animals has been trained in animal experimentation and receives continuous training; 30% attended a retraining session in 2006, and another 30% will attend such training in 2007.
• The Group pays particular attention to the animal's environment and respect for its physiological and social needs. For example, sanofi-aventis uses plastic cages adapted to each animal and high-quality litter.