ethical stewardship
Advancing alternatives to animal research
We’re using our position as an investor to encourage healthcare companies, universities, and government to reduce reliance on animal research. By seeking to support uptake of alternatives to animal research, we aim to reduce animal suffering and protect long-term resilience – helping to shift the industry toward solutions that are better for animals and people too.
A genuine commitment to the 3Rs
In Australia, there is little regulatory oversight of animal research and limited coordinated effort to advance 3R principles in the private sector. We see it as our responsibility to explore opportunities to address these issues with healthcare companies we invest in.
did you know?
190 million animals
were estimated to have been used for scientific purposes in 2015 worldwide (not including animals used in observational research).1
What the companies have done
- Cochlear committed to establishing a formal policy on animal ethics.
- Opthea and Pharmaxis committed to using only AAALAC accredited vendors for animal research.
- CSL and Immutep have introduced animal welfare policies.
- Fisher & Paykel has committed to introducing an animal welfare policy.
- Antisense published a statement on its website that commits to meeting all five of our 3R indicators.
We cannot take credit for all this work. We work with Australian and overseas investors, civil society organisations including Market Forces and the Australian Centre for Corporate Responsibility. All the wins we have had to date are attributable to pressure that has been applied from every direction.
Where we draw the line
Where healthcare companies are involved in animal research, we require evidence of genuine commitment to the 3Rs.
