Use of animals in research

Most medicines used today wouldn’t exist without the type of research that uses animals to model human disease. Guts UK accepts that animal research remains essential if we are to better understand, prevent and treat digestive conditions.

As a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), we support their position on the use of animals in research and all applicants to Guts UK’s funding schemes must demonstrate a commitment to the 3Rs. The 3Rs framework focuses on replacing animal use with other models, reducing the number of animals needed, and refining procedures to minimise suffering and improve welfare for those animals that must be used. This is carefully assessed through our independent expert review process.

Much of the research we fund does not involve animals. Of the research projects we support that do, most involve mice and some may involve frogs or fish. Our researchers not only have to demonstrate a commitment to the 3Rs but must also follow strict laws and require licenses from the Home Office for themselves and for their research projects.

We believe that properly regulated animal research is still necessary when there is no alternative available and we are committed to ensuring that it is conducted to the highest possible scientific and animal welfare standards.