title: Progress in applying the three Rs of Russell & Burch to the testing of biological products.
abstract: The Three Rs (Reduction, Refinement, Replacement) concept of Russell & Burch in relation to humane laboratory animal experimentation is introduced, and special aspects concerning the testing of biologicals are outlined. The role of ECVAM in promoting the Three Rs in the European Union, by organising workshops and task forces, supporting conferences, and financing and/or participating in alternative test development, pre-validation and validation, is reviewed. Finally, examples are given of biologicals-related issues which deserve attention or greater focus.
authors.affiliation: European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods, Institute for Health & Consumer Protection, European Commission Joint Research Centre, Ispra (VA), Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Balls
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Halder
mesh_terms: D026683:Advisory Committees; D000826:Animal Testing Alternatives / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D000830:Animals, Laboratory; D001688:Biological Products; D005062:European Union; D006801:Humans; D012107:Research Design
chemical_list: D001688:Biological Products