Merck's primary task is to discover, develop, manufacture and market innovative medicines and vaccines that treat and prevent illness in both humans and animals. Animal research is indispensable to this. Merck is dedicated to the ethical treatment of all animals used in the development of medicines and vaccines.
In fact, virtually every important medical breakthrough in the last century would not have occurred without animal research. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other worldwide regulatory agencies require that various animals be used when testing new drugs for short- and long-term toxicity. Each new medicine must be evaluated for biological effects in living organisms before it can be evaluated for human or veterinary use.
While as many non-animal testing methods as possible are used in research, the development of new medicines is dependent on animal testing for safety and efficacy. Through the use of animals, Merck scientists, physicians and veterinarians are searching for, and discovering, treatments and cures for people who suffer from currently incurable diseases, such as Alzheimer's, cancer, stroke, diabetes and HIV/AIDS. There is no alternative to this for the development of new, safe and effective medicines and vaccines. Animal research at Merck has also contributed to the development of vaccines and antibiotics; drugs to treat hypertension, high cholesterol, heart failure, osteoporosis, arthritis and pain, and glaucoma; as well as a variety of veterinary anti-parasitic drugs, to name but a few.
Merck is dedicated to the three Rs - replacement, reduction, and refinement - in order to decrease the number of animals used in scientific research. Presently, Merck researchers reduce the need for animals by using batteries of in vitro screening tests that predict the effect of compounds. Researchers also continue to utilize computer modeling, which may help identify the biological activity of potential products, as another alternative to animal research. To support the development of these alternative techniques, Merck funds research to develop viable alternatives to animal studies. In addition, Merck established an Animal Alternatives Committee to educate, promote, and create an awareness of animal alternatives in the Merck community. The Committee created the Animal Alternatives Award in 1994 to recognize and reward Merck employees worldwide for the development and publication of animal alternative methodologies. The award is given annually to either an individual or a team who develops or publishes a full paper, abstract, note or letter that best exemplifies the refinement, reduction and/or replacement of animals during the conduct of research.
Such methodologies have significantly reduced the number of animals used in certain types of research and, in some cases, the new methods replaced the use of animals. Additionally, refined techniques have reduced or eliminated the potential for pain or distress to the animals.
As a matter of principle, Merck adheres to the highest standards for humane handling, care, and treatment of animals used throughout the company's laboratories. Our standards meet or exceed applicable local, national, and international laws and regulations. To ensure excellence in animal handling, all employees who care for animals undergo a rigorous training program. Allegations of mistreatment are taken very seriously and are expeditiously reviewed. Mistreatment or abuse of animals by any Merck employee is a serious violation that is grounds for discipline up to and including dismissal.
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