Replace, reduce and refine: the 3Rs of animal studies

Research using animals is a small, yet vital, part in the development of our medicines, vaccines and consumer health products. When animals are used in research, we are committed to acting ethically and practising good animal welfare.

A key aspect of animal welfare is covered by what the biomedical community refers to as the three Rs (3Rs). These are:  

  • replacing animal research with other methods where possible
  • reducing the number of animals used in research
  • refining techniques to minimise pain and distress and improve the welfare of animals

How we follow the the 3Rs

Our scientists always try to devise experiments that do not require animals. When that is not possible, the researchers work to design experiments that allow us to obtain the necessary information from the smallest number of animals possible, with the least effect on individual animals.

All our proposed studies are reviewed by a GSK ethical panel , which considers the 3Rs and alternatives to animal studies prior to the approval of studies.  

Advances we have made in applying the 3Rs

Over the years, our researchers have identified many ways of replacing, reducing, and refining animal research.  For example, we have:

  • replaced some research in animals with computer simulations and ‘in vitro’ techniques, where tests are done on individual cells, cultures or tissues
  • applied statistical methods to our work, so that we can be confident in results obtained using many fewer animals
  • introduced the use of imaging that can track physical and chemical changes caused by treatment over time, removing the need to compare treated animals with non-treated animals

How our work is monitored

Our animals are looked after throughout their lives by qualified, trained staff.  A veterinarian is onsite or on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Regulatory bodies visit our facilities regularly, often unannounced. 

In addition, our animal facilities in Belgium, Croatia, Spain, UK, and US are accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALACI).  This independent group reviews and assesses our animal care programme against published standards and industry practices.

We are working to extend this accreditation to all of our animal facilities.

Working with others on animal welfare

We share our practices with other scientists and regulatory authorities and publish the results of our research in scientific journals.  This helps all of us work towards the 3Rs.  

We are also involved with other organisations that aim to reduce the need for animal testing and promote animal welfare including, but not limited to:

  • UK National Centre for the 3Rs
  • European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM)
  • European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing (EPAA)
  • The Fund for Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments (FRAME)
  • Center on Alternatives for Animal Testing (CAAT)
  • Scientist Center for Animal Welfare  (SCAW)
  • Institute for Laboratory Animal Research  (ILAR)