Animal-Friendly Affinity Reagents: Replacing the Needless in the Haystack

Knowledge Source Identification
Knowledge source name	Animal-Friendly Affinity Reagents: Replacing the Needless in the Haystack
Owner/Developer	Trends in Biotechnology
Country	Netherlands
Languages	English
URL	http://www.cell.com/trends/biotechnology/abstract/S0167-7799(16)30063-4?_returnURL=http%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0167779916300634%3Fshowall%3Dtrue
Description	The multibillion-dollar global antibody industry produces an indispensable resource but that is generated using millions of animals. Despite the irrefutable maturation and availability of animal-friendly affinity reagents (AFAs) employing naïve B lymphocyte or synthetic recombinant technologies expressed by phage display, animal immunisation is still authorised for antibody production. Remarkably, replacement opportunities have been overlooked, despite the enormous potential reduction in animal use. Directive 2010/63/EU requires that animals are not used where alternatives exist. To ensure its implementation, we have engaged in discussions with the EU Reference Laboratory for alternatives to animal testing (EURL ECVAM) and the Directorate General for Environment to carve out an EU-led replacement strategy. Measures must be imposed to avoid outsourcing, regulate commercial production, and ensure that antibody producers are fully supported.
Knowledge Source Category
Category	Publication
Sub categories	Review / Research article
Knowledge Dissemination and Sharing
Dissemination channel	Website, Social media, Professional online network
Targeted audience (specified/objective analysis)	Scientists, Industry, Researchers
Users access	Open access
Knowledge Characterization
3Rs relevance	Replacement, Reduction, Refinement
Purpose	Animal welfare, Method development, Documentation and information
Legislative framework	Directive 2010/63/EU
Technology/Tools	Alternative test methods (in vitro), Animal testing (in vivo)