Bayer and animal studies - Animals

Animal study:
Definition according to the Animal Welfare Law (TSchG §7.1): “Animal studies within the meaning of this law are interventions or treatments for research purposes
1. in animals, if they may be associated with pain, suffering or injury for these animals or
2. in animal genomes, if they may be associated with pain, suffering or injury for the genetically modified or carrier animals.”

Toxicology:
Theory of toxins and poisoning of the body. See also “Toxicity”.

Risk-benefit analysis:
An analysis to which all new drugs are subjected before they are first used in humans. It involves weighing the benefits and importance of the drug to the patient against the possible side effects and risks.

Fundamental research:
Area of research concerned with the fundamental relationships between the processes which take place in the body or with the causes of diseases. Fundamental research thus contributes indirectly to the development of new active ingredients and therapies.

How many animals are used in research?

In 2007, Bayer scientists used 71,268 animals. In the vast majority of cases, they were used to develop drugs. Compare this with 1989 when 454,477 laboratory animals were still required. This represents a reduction of around 80 percent. Most laboratory animals are rodents, e.g. rats and mice. They accounted for 85 percent of laboratory animals used in 2007. Fish account for 6.2 percent of animals used and birds for another 3.4 percent. Dogs, cats and apes together represent 1.2 percent of the animals used in research.

Trend in the number of laboratory animals used at Bayer

This graph shows how significantly the number of laboratory animals used at Bayer has decreased since 1989. In 2000, the German ordinance governing the notification of laboratory animals was modified.

Additional information:

The chart as depicted above expresses the data for the divisions of Bayer AG in Germany, which used animals in their studies. This description was chosen to provide a historic insight.

By the acquisition of Schering AG further research activities were added, which include animal studies. In 2007, researchers in the laboratories of Bayer including Bayer Schering Pharma AG used 157,987 animals on a worldwide basis.

Percentage distribution of laboratory animals



By far the biggest group of laboratory animals used at Bayer is represented by mice and rats, followed by fish, birds, apes, cats and dogs. The smallest group is represented by productive livestock which together account for less than one percent (figures from 2007).

Which animals are used for which studies?
When selecting the species of animal for a study, mice and rats are generally the species of first choice. Their mammalian bodies are incredibly similar to those of humans in many respects and usually provide a good basis for predicting how, for example, a new active ingredient will react inside the human body.

Other species are used in studies only if sufficiently meaningful results are unlikely to be obtained if rats and mice are used. In safety studies (toxicity studies), the authorities almost always demand studies in a non-rodent species (dogs, pigs, apes) as well as in rodents (rats, mice). This requirement is intended to ensure that possible effects or side effects are detected before the product is used in humans for the first time and included in the risk-benefit assessment for the substance. Because in all studies, human safety comes first.

Additional information:

The charts as depicted above express the data for the divisions of Bayer AG in Germany, which employ animals in their studies. This description was chosen to provide a historic insight.

By the acquisition of Schering AG further research activities were added, which include animal studies. At the percentage distribution of the used laboratory animals during 2007 on a worldwide basis (including Bayer Schering Pharma AG) the proportion of mice and rats lies at 91.5%.

General examples of the use of animal species in research

Uses of different animal species in drug research (general examples). The researchers know which species they must use for which human organ system to obtain the best predictions in respect of the effects and side effects of potential drug products.

Compulsory studies
More than 90 percent of the animal studies conducted by Bayer are required by law. They form the basis for high standards in drug safety and ultimately ensure that we as humans are able to have confidence in today’s drugs.

There are also other animal studies which are not compulsory. These are fundamental research studies. How do certain processes take place in the body? Which factors play a decisive role in these processes? Animal studies in this area help to provide the basic information we need for developing new types of treatment.

These fundamental studies belong to the category of animal study for which approval is required. In other words, they have to be examined for their benefit and approved beforehand by the regional government. An Animal Welfare Committee made up of scientists and animal welfare experts is on hand to advise the regulatory authorities during this process.

Last update: June 13, 2008