New report examines the use of animals containing human material in biomedical research

A new report looking at the use of animals containing human material (ACHM) in biomedical research has identified areas of sensitivity - including cognition, reproduction and creating visual characteristics perceived as uniquely human - and calls for additional oversight to ensure innovative science can flourish within clearly defined ethical boundaries with public support.

Important new opportunities to understand how the human body functions and the processes and treatment of disease are opening up thanks to the sophistication of techniques to incorporate human cells or genetic information into animals. These techniques are already widely used to refine research methods, creating animal models that better represent the human condition. They are also used to develop and produce new drugs and to lead the fight against life-changing conditions and debilitating diseases, including infertility, cancer, HIV and hepatitis.

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This article was published on 22nd July 2011.