Perhaps the most controversial part of the drug development process is the use of animals in the testing during the preclinical phase.
PBL PHILOSOPHY ON ANIMAL USE
Every Animal Use is a serious decision at PBL. We strive to maximize the quality of data obtained in each use as well as maximize the quality of the animal’s environment while in our care. Pacific BioLabs has zero tolerance for inhumane treatment of animals. We promote adherence to the three R’s – Refine, Reduce, Replace – and generally reserve the use of animals for the toxicological testing of medical devices or the safety testing and development of pharmaceuticals.
Our commitment to this philosophy is evident by the active involvement of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The IACUC approves each Animal Care and Use Protocol (ACUP). The IACUC has an active animal environment enrichment program where we enrich the environment of our charges. Our veterinary staff is also active in evaluating every opportunity to improve animal welfare.
PBL IS COMMITTED TO MAINTAINING AAALAC ACCREDITATION
Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC International) promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through accreditation and assessment programs. More than 700 institutions in 29 countries have earned AAALAC International accreditation. This distinction is widely recognized as assurance of responsible and ethical animal care and use, and quality science.
Earning AAALAC accreditation requires institutions to conduct their own extensive internal review, as well as undergo a comprehensive, on-site assessment by AAALAC evaluators. This assessment looks at the entire animal care and use program, including animal environment and housing, veterinary care, the facilities, and the institutional policies that are in place to monitor the animal care and use program. Once accredited, the institution must be revisited and re-evaluated once every three years in order to maintain its accredited status.
Along with meeting all applicable local and national regulations, AAALAC accredited institutions must also demonstrate that they are achieving the standards outlined in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (National Research Council, 2011). The standards in the Guide go above and beyond what is required by law.
Excerpt from the last AAALAC International Accreditation evaluation of Pacific BioLabs
The Council [AAALAC International] commends you [the management] and staff for providing and maintaining a satisfactory program of laboratory animal care and use. Especially noteworthy were the well maintained facilities, the facility sanitation, the detailed records of staff training and written standard operating procedures, the comprehensive animal health monitoring program, and the adoption program for dogs.
AAALAC Accreditation Letter ( (PDF)