Regulations and Standards

ICLAS-CIOMS Revises International Guiding Principles for Biomedical Research Involving Animals
This April 2011, the International Council for Laboratory Animal Science (ICLAS)¹ and the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences (CIOMS)² requested public feedback to its newly revised 2011 International Guiding Principles for Biomedical Research Involving Animals (CIOMS Principles).³ These guidelines will replace those established in 1985.

CIOMS is an international, non-governmental, non-profit organization established jointly by WHO and UNESCO in 1949. Its membership of over 55 international, national, and associate member organizations, represents many of the biomedical disciplines, national academies of sciences, and medical research councils. The main objectives of CIOMS are to:

• Facilitate and promote international activities in the field of biomedical sciences, especially when the participation of several international associations and national institutions is deemed necessary;
• Maintain collaborative relations with the United Nations and its specialized agencies, in particular with WHO and UNESCO;
• Serve the scientific interests of the international biomedical community in general.

CIOMS has initiated and coordinates the following main long-term programs: “Bioethics, Health Policy, Ethics and Human Values - An International Dialogue, Drug Development and Use, and International Nomenclature of Diseases.”

ICLAS is an international scientific organization dedicated to advancing human and animal health by promoting the ethical care and use of laboratory animals in research worldwide. The aims of ICLAS are to:

• Promote and coordinate the development of Laboratory Animal Science throughout the world and as a matter of priority in developing countries;
• Promote international collaboration in Laboratory Animal Science;
• Promote quality definition and monitoring of Laboratory Animals;
• Collect and disseminate information on Laboratory Animal Science;
• Promote world-wide harmonization in the care and use of laboratory animals;
• Promote the humane use of animals in research through recognition of ethical principles and scientific responsibilities;
• Promote the ‘3R’ tenets of Russell and Burch.

We list these CIOMS principles below and—for comparison sake, the U.S. Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training.

Draft CIOMS Guiding Principles 2011 to be used by the international scientific community to guide the responsible use of vertebrate animals in scientific and/or educational activities.

I. The advancement of scientific knowledge is important for the improvement of human and animal health and welfare, conserving the environment, and the good of society. Animals serve a vital role in these scientific activities and animal welfare is integral to achieving scientific and educational goals. Decisions regarding the welfare, care, and use of animals should be guided by scientific knowledge and professional judgment, reflect ethical and societal values, and consider the potential benefits and the impact on the well-being of the animals involved.

II. The use of animals for scientific and/or educational purposes is a privilege that carries with it a moral obligation and ethical responsibility for institutions and individuals to ensure the welfare of these animals to the greatest extent possible. This is best achieved in an institution with a culture of care and conscience in which they willingly, deliberately, and consistently act in an ethical, humane and compliant way. Individuals working with animals have an obligation to demonstrate respect for animals, to be responsible and accountable for their decisions and actions pertaining to animal welfare, care and use, and to ensure that the highest standards of scientific integrity prevail.