MDC statement on standards for animal testing

Research such as that carried out at the Max Delbrück Center produces fundamental discoveries about complex biological processes as well as advances in human health. It requires a broad repertoire of techniques, which continues to include scientifically indispensable animal experiments.

Good scientific practice and good animal welfare go hand in hand, because research results may be distorted if animals experience suffering or distress. For example, distress is accompanied by an increased production of certain hormones and can affect the blood pressure as well as the metabolism of the animals.

In Germany, scientific research and testing using animals must be carried out in accordance with the principles of the 3Rs – replace, reduce and refine. These stipulate that animal testing can only be conducted if there is no other alternative. Researchers are obligated to obtain maximum information from as few experiments as possible and to minimize the pain, suffering or distress that may be experienced by laboratory animals. The MDC has been a signatory of the Basel Declaration since 2012. It requires us to comply with ethical standards and provide open and transparent information about animal experiments. The MDC is also a member of the European Animal Research Association (EARA).

In order to make the treatment of cancer patients with metastasized melanoma more tolerable and effective, researchers at the MDC and Charité developed a new approach to gene therapy. Before it could be tested in a phase 1 clinical trial, several hearings were held with the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut (PEI), Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines and an ethics committee. To ensure the safety of patients, the PEI imposed a condition in addition to the data already submitted: An independent institute had to perform a toxicological study to test the tolerance of the new vector used in the gene therapy. This study, which involved 20 mice, could only be conducted by a certified laboratory based in Germany. The Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology (LPT) had a good reputation at this time, and staff members visited the LPT to assess the conditions. That was in 2010. According to our research, there has been no further collaboration between the MDC and the LPT since then.

The allegations against the LPT surfaced in 2019. The videos published suggest inacceptable animal welfare standards that have no place in 21st century research institutions.