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Article on Alzheimer's Research Shows Animal Studies Are Crucial

Posted on: Monday, 3 October 2005, 03:01 CDT

The article "Scripps lab chief explores diabetes, Alzheimer's link" (Sept. 19) provided rare insight into the work of scientists who are seeking a cure for Alzheimer's disease. As it pointed out, the research being conducted with mice soon may allow doctors to better treat and prevent one of the most debilitating afflictions of old age.

Sadly, animal rights activists oppose and seek to end all such promising research - essentially because they believe the life of a lab animal is equal to that of a human. They choose to reject its well-established validity, usefulness and the fact that regulations governing the care and treatment of research animals are more extensive than those covering human subjects.

In fact, animal research has played a vital role in virtually every major medical advance of the past century. From antibiotics to blood transfusions, from dialysis to organ transplantation, from vaccinations to chemotherapy, bypass surgery and joint replacement, practically every present-day protocol for the prevention, treatment, cure and control of disease, pain and suffering is based on knowledge attained through research with animals.

Thanks to animal research, many diseases that once killed millions of people every year are treatable or have been eradicated. Immunizations against polio, diphtheria, mumps, rubella and hepatitis save countless lives, and the survival rates from many major diseases are at an all-time high thanks to the discovery of new drugs, medical devices and surgical procedures. This article will go a long way to promote public understanding and respect for the vital role of animal research in medical progress.

FRANKIE L. TRULL, president

Foundation for Biomedical Research

Washington

Source: Palm Beach Post

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