Ten years of the Animal Welfare Charter

7. Excursus: Interview with Dr. Birgit Ledermann

Why did research-based pharmaceutical companies in Switzerland decide ten years ago to sign Interpharma’s Animal Welfare Charter?

The use of animals in research is a very emotional issue. Many people criticize research with animals, but at the same time want certainty that new medicines meet the highest standards of quality, efficacy and safety. While it is customary for pharmaceutical companies to introduce internal standards for animal research in line with the relevant national standards and other norms, the unique thing about Interpharma’s charter is that these standards were mutually agreed throughout the industry in the whole of Switzerland. The ten articles of the Animal Welfare Charter were developed after the establishment of four key elements: a) an open and constructive dialogue between stakeholders, b) the promotion of general and vocational training, c) the promotion of all aspects of the 3Rs and d) testing and certification. The commitments of the charter apply to Interpharma member companies and to all external research and development partners. This is especially important because animal welfare standards vary from country to country, and the charter guarantees identical high standards regardless of where the research with animals takes place.

What has been the biggest personal highlight or most positive development for you in the last ten years regarding the charter?

One of the most important highlights for me is the open and constructive dialogue between stakeholders. Interpharma has cultivated a regular, constructive dialogue with the Swiss Animal Protection (SAP) organization and the University of Zurich for many years. This dialogue has led to a mutual understanding between the organizations involved. A further highlight of Interpharma are the joint audits of our external partners. These joint efforts help us improve to animal welfare and ensure that the 3Rs (reduction of animal numbers, refinement of animal experiments and replacement of animal experiments with alternative methods) are applied by our partners. The audits reduce the workload and the amount of time required both for member companies and for external partners and are therefore highly appreciated.

How important is the charter internationally?

The charter has attracted international attention, because the pharma industry in Switzerland has harmonized its animal welfare standards and conducted joint audits for the first time. The charter and the concept of joint audits serve as an example, and both have been presented at various conferences and meetings in various countries in recent years.

“We must intensify our dialogue with the public.”

What challenges do you see for the next ten years of the charter?

Biomedical research, including in the pharmaceutical industry, is meeting with ever greater resistance to the use of animals in research. While we have broadened our internal dialogue on the need for the use of animals in the discovery and validation of new medicines, we need to step up our dialogue with external stakeholders, especially with the public. We must speak more often and more openly about the importance of this research, explaining that animals may only be used in research if there are no recognized alternatives, and also about the stringent legal standards and the engagement of people who work with the animals. In addition, we need to keep promoting the implementation of the 3Rs – reduction, refinement and replacement of animal research. Application of the 3Rs reduces not only the number of animals used in research, but also the variability of the data and thereby also improves the quality of the research with animals. Interpharma provides financial support to the Swiss 3Rs Competence Centre and is represented on its management boards. A further objective is to continue our joint audits for the assessment of our external partners.

Is it realistic or conceivable that drug development could one day do without animal experiments altogether?

Although the pharmaceutical industry is making huge efforts to replace the use of animals in research with alternative methods where possible, the development of new and safe medicines without the use of animals will not be possible within the foreseeable future.