[Value of results of animal experiments for the evaluation of drugs. 3. Animal trials and subjective probability].
Inasmuch as the findings in pharmacology and toxicology are based on animal trials these disciplines have to be considered as subjective sciences, since the experimentally obtained objective data become medically relevant only on the basis of subjective probabilities. The value of pharmacological and toxicological tests is dependent on the quality of the investigator. Data obtained in animals trials are of no relevance for human medicine unless the investigator substantiates his subjective probabilities and at the same time demonstrates how the hypotheses won in animal trials can be verified in man. Toxicological testing methods allowing the "preselection" of drugs or any other kind of deductions without verification in man do not exist. Animal studies which are not based on the principles of decision theory serve merely as an alibi and may lead to wrong conclusions. Besides, they interfere with the German Animal Protection Law. Methodological problems can neither be solved by normative regulations of an administrative authority nor by increasing experimental activity.
D000818:Animals; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods; D011336:Probability; D012106:Research
Der Wert tierexperimenteller Ergebnisse für die Beurteilung von Arzneimitteln. Folge 3: Der Tierversuch und die subjektive Wahrscheinlichkeit