The use of animals in the development of our products is sometimes required to ensure products are safe and effective. In fact, alternatives to animal testing techniques, commonly called in vitro techniques, do not generate all of the pre-clinical data required by government agencies to bring new products to market. Therefore, health care companies must combine in vitro tests with animal (in vivo) research to fulfill our scientific, legal and ethical obligations to provide safe and effective products.
At Johnson & Johnson, it is our policy is to minimize the use of animals in laboratory research when assessing the safety and efficacy of our products. Since 2000, the use of animals in our research has decreased over 60 percent, relative to R&D investment.
We are committed to our “3R”principles:
- Replacement – substituting alternative non-animal systems in place of live animal utilization wherever possible
- Reduction – using the fewest number of animals possible
- Refinement – developing procedures that limit the potential for discomfort to animals
In 2005, we created the 3Rs Award to recognize employees who develop viable alternatives to animal testing. The program was expanded in 2006 to include the 3Rs Post Doctoral award, recognizing top scientists and engineers who serve as role models. In 2011, we presented highlights of our 3R’s Award Program and other alternatives initiatives at the VIII World Congress on Alternatives & Animal Use in Life Sciences.
For our personal care products, we do not conduct animal testing or ask others to test on our behalf, except when required by law, and we comply with requirements of the European Union (EU) ban on animal testing for cosmetics.
Guideline on the Humane Care & Use of Animals
Our Guideline on the Humane Care & Use of Animals requires testing be conducted in a humane way and that our programs and facilities meet established inspection agency standards. All animals are cared for in accordance with the local regulations, including the U.S. Animal Welfare Act (7 USC 2131), the National Research Council Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the EU Commission, and the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare. Click here to go to the Our Citizenship section of our website and view this guideline.
When animal testing is necessary, it is our policy to use animals from approved sources only, preferably purpose-bred animals which are born and raised under controlled conditions and specifically for testing. In certain geographic regions of the world, purpose-bred animals are not available and, in these cases, animals must be obtained through regulated dealers that meet our criteria for the humane care and use of laboratory research animals