Animal research

At the MRC/BHF CoRE in Advanced Cardiac Therapies, we are aiming to discover new therapeutic targets and translate them into clinical products which can be delivered as medicines. Some of our research therefore requires the use of animal models. 

This may involve small animals (usually rodents, such as mice) and large animals (such as pigs). This work is strictly regulated under UK Home Office licensing rules and regulations. These studies are a critical step in assessing safety, efficacy, and pharmacology before progressing to human trials. Large animal studies are often required by regulatory bodies such as the UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency during the development and approval of new medicines.

All research using animals undergoes rigorous ethical review, including approval from Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Boards at our respective universities. These boards include lay members to ensure public representation and transparency.

Ethical principles for animal welfare

Where animal research is required, we conduct this to the highest standards, ensuring that animals are treated ethically and with care. We strongly promote the three Rs:  

• Refinement: implementing less severe surgery protocols

• Replacement: for instance, using human cellular models where possible 

• Reduction: using more consistent injury/disease models to minimise animal numbers 

Openness about animal research

All three of our principal partners, King's College London, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Oxford, are signatories of the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK. As a centre we will foster open dialogue with the public about animal research, including through our patient and public involvement and engagement initiatives.