We call on world leaders to put animal lives ahead of national prestige in race to find COVID-19 vaccine
We are calling on today’s international pledging conference raising billions for research into a coronavirus vaccine to ensure that coordination and cooperation extend beyond funding and include commitments to non-duplication of animal testing.
We are concerned that the understandable race to find a vaccine will mean countries and companies compete at the expense of the suffering and lives of the tens of thousands of animals – including mice, ferrets and monkeys – who will be used to test the drugs.
Organised by the European Union, Britain, Norway, Japan, Canada and Saudi Arabia, leaders aim to raise funds over several weeks or months, building on efforts by the World Bank, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and wealthy individuals.
Cruelty Free International’s Director of Science and Regulatory Affairs, Dr Katy Taylor, said: “We want to see a vaccine for this terrible disease as much as anyone, but it is clear that national prestige and huge profits are potentially at stake for firms and countries that get there first. However, there is a risk of uncoordinated research efforts which could mean the deaths of more animals in laboratories and duplicated animal tests, as well as slowing the process and adding to the cost.”
A global pandemic board operating in partnership with the World Health Organization will have separate subgroups to coordinate work on vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics. The aim is to funnel research into five or six vaccines before moving towards mass manufacturing of the two that show the most promise.
Dr Taylor continued: “The WHO has said that it estimates as many as 89 vaccines are in development globally. Imagine if each of those 89 initiatives is running its own animal tests! We’re calling on the WHO and on this new global board to make sure that data is shared and efforts co-ordinated to at least minimise what could be awful animal suffering.”
We recently issued a statement jointly with other animal protection groups pointing out the important need for humane and human-relevant research on COVID-19, pointing out the historical failure of animal research to provide effective drugs, including vaccines, for human use.