Animals in Research

The overall mission of the Animals in Research Committee of CPDD is to address issues related to the conduct of biomedical research using laboratory animals. The purpose of such research is to understand, treat, and prevent disease. In particular, the members of CPDD are interested in understanding drug addiction. Research using animals has the promise of elucidating the basic mechanisms that lead to addiction, of evaluating therapeutic drugs for treatment of addiction, and of developing strategies to prevent addiction.

To fulfill its mission, this Committee engages in the following activities relating to the use of laboratory animals:

Members generally serve three-year terms. There is also an ex officio member who is the CPDD representative to the AAALAC Board of Directors.

The Committee meets annually at the CPDD meeting. During the year, business is usually transacted by e-mail. A conference call may be used if warranted. To stay abreast of developments in the arena of animal research, the Executive Officer forwards to the Committee Chair reports from NABR and from Americans for Medical Progress. The President or the Executive Officer forwards to the Committee Chair communications from our legislative consultant firm or other communications relating to pending legislation concerning animals in research that come to their attention. The AAALAC representative reports to the Committee items of interest when he/she attends their annual meeting. The Chair brings these matters to the attention of the Committee members, and if appropriate, the Committee formulates a plan of action that it communicates to the Executive Committee. Frequently, the action will entail distribution of a message to the CPDD membership via the listserv regarding important items relating to use of animals in research. The Committee may also consider proactive educational initiatives to further understanding of use of animals in research.

Interfaces with governmental agencies and legislative bodies to provide comments on rules and regulations that address animal use in research

Develops position papers on issues that impinge on use of animals in research. Communicates pending changes in rules, regulations, and legislation affecting use of animals in research to members of CPDD

Organizes action items to enable the membership of CPDD to respond to initiatives affecting use of animals in research

Interfaces with other scientific societies whose members use animals in research to formulate consensus position papers on issues relating to use of animals in research

Supports use of animals in research by encouraging membership in NABR (National Association for Biomedical Research), Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International, and Americans for Medical Progress