Novo Nordisk principles on the use of animals
Novo Nordisk considers the use of animals to be essential for the discovery, development and production of pharmaceutical and medical products.
Ethical considerations and animal welfare are given high priority at Novo Nordisk. As an integral part of our approach to animal testing, we are constantly looking for new ways to replace, reduce and refine the use of animals for testing.
Animals will be used only where no available and acceptable alternatives exist.
To ensure uniform standards the following principles must be adhered to throughout Novo Nordisk and all our external collaborators including contract laboratories, research laboratories, partners and suppliers:
- All activities involving animals must be conducted strictly in accordance with present legislation
- Alternatives to animal experiments must be used whenever possible
- Transgenic animals may be used for testing and experiments when this model is justified
- Animals bred specifically for experimental purposes must be used unless special conditions are in evidence
- Housing, husbandry and transportation of animals must as a minimum comply with internationally approved standards
- Housing conditions must take into consideration the special needs for the animals species in question
- Housing, husbandry and care of animals must be undertaken by personnel having received adequate and relevant education. The level of education must be documented
- Health control should be supervised by a veterinary officer experienced in regard to laboratory animals
- Transportation of animals must be as lenient as possible, taking into consideration the special needs for the animal species in question
- All precautions must be taken to reduce suffering and distress.
- Procedures for monitoring and evaluation of the well being of the animals as well as treatment must be implemented
- At Novo Nordisk records are kept updated on the type of experiment, animal species and number of animals used in accordance with the authorities’ and the requirements of Novo Nordisk. The number of animals used internally as well as on facilities run by external collaborators will be published in the annual Novo Nordisk Annual Report
Note: Any planned deviations from these principles must be approved in advance by the Novo Nordisk Environment & Bioethics Committee
Updated and approved 26 May 2003
