Why Animal Studies?
In Germany, animal studies are mainly used in basic research as well as human and veterinary medicine. It is legally required to test all new drugs in animals to determine efficacy and side effects - there are no new drugs without animal research. Animal studies can also identify environmental hazards or be required to test the toxicity of chemicals. Although cell cultures, artificial tissues and organs are increasingly being used by us and others, they still cannot replicate the full complexity of a living organism. For this reason, animal models remain indispensable in biomedical research, playing a central role in answering key questions and advancing medical knowledge and therapies. Despite all progress, animal experiments remain essential for our pursuit of knowledge.
Understanding Complex Biological Systems
Basic research strives to expand knowledge, aiming to achieve a deeper understanding of fundamental biological processes. It is the basis for groundbreaking scientific discoveries, and at our institute, we are committed to understanding the brain. Animal models play an essential role in basic research by providing a living system in which the interactions and functions of various biological mechanisms can be observed. Unlike cell cultures or computer simulations, which provide limited insight, animal studies allow scientists to explore how cells, tissues and organs interact within a complex, functioning organism. This research can reveal critical information about genetics, physiology, and disease mechanisms that is inaccessible by all other methods. Understanding these fundamental processes is essential to the development of new scientific theories and hypotheses, which can ultimately lead to innovative treatments and medical technologies.
Developing and Testing New Therapies
Before new drugs or treatments can be tested in humans, they must be evaluated for safety and efficacy in preclinical studies. Animal studies are a critical step in ensuring that potential therapies are not only effective, but also safe. This protects human health and minimizes risks during clinical trials. In Germany, animal testing is prohibited for the development of cosmetics and hygiene products such as detergents, as well as in defense research. The import of such products is also prohibited if they have been tested on animals. However, even "cruelty-free" cosmetics may contain ingredients that were originally developed for other purposes and whose safety was initially tested on animals.
Disease Research
Animal studies are essential for research into mental health conditions, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s or Autism Spectrum Disorders. These diseases can only be fully understood by studying them in the living organisms. Animal studies allow researchers to study the causes and progression of these diseases and to develop effective treatment strategies. Important medical advances that we benefit from today would not have been possible without animal research.
Historical Achievements
Many of the greatest medical breakthroughs of recent decades, such as vaccines for polio and hepatitis, insulin therapies for diabetics, the development of antiretroviral drugs to treat HIV/AIDS, and modern anesthetics, were made possible through animal research. Nowadays, drug therapies make it possible to treat many mental illnesses, and significant breakthroughs in cancer treatment have also been achieved through animal research. Animal experiments help to understand the effects and side effects of drugs and to determine the correct dosages. These successes have saved millions of lives and improved the quality of life for countless human and veterinary patients.
Driving Innovation and Knowledge
Humans and animals share numerous similarities in terms of bodily functions, disease progression, and genetic makeup. The brain is more complex than any other organ, yet many of the basic structures and functions are common to all animals. By studying animals, scientists gain valuable insights into fundamental biological processes, forming the foundation for new medical applications and technologies. This ongoing advancement of knowledge is crucial for progress.