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Animal welfare

At GSK we believe we have a moral responsibility to ensure good welfare and treatment of the animals in our care. We follow scientific principles to ensure that we prevent or minimise pain and distress before, during, and after experimental procedures.

We have our own company-wide policy that covers the standards of care and the ethical treatment of animals in research. The policy defines and drives the acceptable standards for our animal work. All GSK research must comply with this policy.

The core principles laid out in this policy mandate that, as a minimum, all animals in our care must have access to:

• food and water appropriate to their species
• animal housing, including appropriate temperature and humidity levels
• humane care and a programme of veterinary care
• equipment or space that allows animals to carry out species specific behaviours.

This policy also outlines requirements for study design and approval, including that studies must:

• follow to the principles of replacement, reduction and refinement in the design of animal studies
• be reviewed by a GSK ethical review panel
• take measures to minimise any pain or distress to animals
• have all animal work performed by appropriately trained staff.

All of our staff involved in animal research receive training in standards of care and ethics on the use of animals in research.

All of our facilities and programmes comply with the national laws, guidelines and codes of conduct for that country. In situations where we have recently acquired a company, we will work closely with that group to ensure that our animal welfare standards align. Given the scope and complexity of the task, this can take some time.

Where we engage or work with outside groups on animal research, we require that they meet all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, and ask that they adhere to our core principles of animal care and welfare.

Further information

On our page of answers to frequently asked questions you can find out more about:

• alternatives to animal research
• the animals we work with
• what happens during and after studies
• regulation of animal research
• public concern and activism.

 

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