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| Picture 12. A cell culture. |
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| Why use animals? |
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Using computers can help scientists to design new medicines and cell cultures give scientists useful information on the effect a compound will have on cells. But these processes can’t simulate all the complex interactions which occur in the human body. Because of the similarities in the bodies of humans and animals, tests on animals can give a better idea of how a compound will affect the human body.
Regulations in the UK, and many other countries, mean that governments ask that a range of tests, including animal tests, are carried out before studies with patients can be done. Tests on animals give essential information about the likely effects of a new medicine. Only after these tests can a new medicine be studied in patients without undue risk. |
| Thalidomide |
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In the early 1960s a new product called Thalidomide was linked to abnormalities in new-born babies. The condition caused by Thalidomide was phocomelia, which means shortening of the limbs.
It was discovered that the mothers of babies with phocomelia had taken Thalidomide during the first six weeks of pregnancy. This is the stage when the limbs of the foetus begin to form.
Until scientists made the connection between limb abnormalities and Thalidomide, it had been considered a very good sedative because it appeared to have few side effects. Clearly the testing procedures used at that time had missed something vital. |
| A new law |
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This case led to the introduction in Britain of the 1968 Medicines Act. Under this Act, manufacturers must test their products even more thoroughly than before. Now manufacturers must include extra tests on pregnant animals. This is because a medicine which has no side effects on adults could still harm an unborn child. In the early 1960s, this was not yet understood. |
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