ALTEX :: Alternatives to Animal Experiments

1998, VOLUME 4

Is Replacement of Animal Experimentation in Pharmacology a Goal or a Social Constraint, Utopia or Reality?

Thomas Hartung and Albrecht Wendel

University of D-Konstanz

SUMMARY

Animal experimentation in pharmacology is evaluated with respect to in vitro alternatives. Overall, the judgement comes clearly in favour of the alternative methods, needless to say in a field where most animal experimentation occurs. The authors conclude that the discipline considerably profits from switching to in vitro models, even though the complete replacement of animal experimentation is unrealistic.

Keywords: alternatives, pharmacology, society