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Review
. 2016 Jun;50(1 Suppl):1-20.
doi: 10.1177/0023677216642398.

Current concepts of Harm-Benefit Analysis of Animal Experiments - Report from the AALAS-FELASA Working Group on Harm-Benefit Analysis - Part 1

Aurora Brønstad  1 , Christian E Newcomer  2 , Thierry Decelle  3 , Jeffrey I Everitt  4 , Javier Guillen  5 , Kathy Laber  6
Affiliations
Review

Current concepts of Harm-Benefit Analysis of Animal Experiments - Report from the AALAS-FELASA Working Group on Harm-Benefit Analysis - Part 1

Aurora Brønstad et al. Lab Anim. 2016 Jun.

Abstract

International regulations and guidelines strongly suggest that the use of animal models in scientific research should be initiated only after the authority responsible for the review of animal studies has concluded a well-thought-out harm-benefit analysis (HBA) and deemed the project to be appropriate. Although the process for conducting HBAs may not be new, the relevant factors and algorithms used in conducting them during the review process are deemed to be poorly defined or lacking by committees in many institutions. This paper presents the current concept of HBAs based on a literature review. References on cost or risk benefit from clinical trials and other industries are also included. Several approaches to HBA have been discovered including algorithms, graphic presentations and generic processes. The aim of this study is to better aid and harmonize understanding of the concepts of 'harm', 'benefit' and 'harm-benefit analysis'.

Keywords: animal experiment; ethical review; harm–benefit.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
A generic harm–benefit analysis.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Garber JC, Barbee RW, Bielitzki JT, et al., Committee for the Update of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (eds) Guide for the care and use of laboratory animals. 8th edn. Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 2011.
    1. European Commission. Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. Off J Eur Union 2010; L276/33.
    1. CIOMS–ICLAS. International guiding principles for biomedical research involving animals. Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences and International Council for Laboratory Animal Science, 2012.
    1. OIE. Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Use of animals in research and education, Paris: World Organization for Animal Health, 2014.
    1. Russell WMS, Burch RL. The principles of humane experimental technique, London: Methuen, 1959.

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