Results for "biologics"

Animal testing is commonly used during the development of new drugs and medical devices to treat diseases. The experiments typically take place in controlled laboratory settings where variables of interest can be manipulated while all others are held constant. Additionally, this allows multiple generations of animals to be studied if needed. The most frequently used animals in laboratory studies are mice, rats, and birds [1]. Animals are useful for studying human diseases because they often have the same biological systems we do and can react similarly to health problems [1]. Animal welfare advocates argue that animals are no different than humans and deserve the same rights. Most animals can feel pain and may experience stress from experimentation [1]. Some species can communicate, show empathy, demonstrate a sense of self, and play, demonstrating intelligence [1]. However, some argue that since animals don’t have the same cognitive abilities humans do, animal testing is ethical [1]. Another supporting argument that many in the wildlife research field share is that the benefits outweigh the costs. Although some harm may be done to the small group of animals that are tested or experimented on, it greatly benefits the broader group of other animals or humans [1].