COMMITTED TO ANIMAL WELFARE
We maintain an unwavering focus on the welfare of the laboratory animals in our care. Our entire preclinical staff is trained in laboratory animal care and focused on animal welfare and environmental enrichment — embracing compassion, sensitivity and adherence to regulatory guidelines.
Our methodologies, procedures and equipment are refined to decrease stress on the animals, improve workflows, and ensure the success of your study. As part of our C.A.R.E. program, which every employee has pledged to support, we are committed to the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement). All efforts in this regard are overseen by our Chief Animal Welfare Officer, a member of the Altasciences executive team.
- Animal Welfare Council consisting of members from several departments
- C.A.R.E. Contract/Pledge — every employee has signed a contract prioritizing the humane care of animals used in research
- Comprehensive environmental and animal enrichment program is supported by a dedicated team of enrichment staff lead by an NHP behaviorist
- We promote and provide social housing configurations for all species
- Dog kennels with interconnecting doors for additional socialization
- Mini Pig habitat caging configured to allow for snout-to-snout interactions
- Use of a humane endpoints policy to minimize pain and discomfort
- Veterinary committee for decision-making in difficult euthanasia situations
Unique Handling, Animal Care and Housing
- Passive restraint NHP procedure cages
- EU-compliant group housing for NHPs
- Consistent healthcare, welfare and enrichment from point of origin to final destination
New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)
Altasciences is actively engaged in the ongoing dialogue and scientific exploration surrounding New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in toxicology and risk assessment. As the field of drug development continues to evolve, NAMs offer promising potential to complement or enhance traditional preclinical safety testing approaches through the use of innovative technologies, such as in vitro assays, in silico modeling, organ-on-a-chip platforms, and high-throughput screening.
These emerging tools are slowly gaining attention from regulatory authorities and industry alike, as they aim to improve efficiency, ethical standards, and the predictive value of preclinical safety data. Altasciences recognizes the importance of staying aligned with these developments and remains attentive to their growing role in shaping the future of toxicology.