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Stop Animal Exploitation NOW!
S. A. E. N.
"Exposing the truth to wipe out animal experimentation"

Articles and Reports

Alternatives to Animal Research and Testing

Alternatives to Ascites Production of Monoclonal Antibodies
by John McArdle, Ph.D.
Alternatives Research and Development Foundation
Eden Prairie, Minnesota
www.nal.usda.gov/awic/newsletters/v8n3/8n3mcard.htm

Conclusion

More than 20 years ago, a new in vitro alternative was developed for production of monoclonal antibodies. Because of its simplicity and importance, this technique was widely adopted and used in nearly every field of biomedical research and biotechnology. For similar reasons, a new form of laboratory animal cruelty and suffering was also created the use of ascites methods to produce antibodies.

For the last decade, researchers in Europe and the United States have systematically developed, validated, and adopted multiple in vitro replacements for the use of rodent ascites. This process of technique development has progressed to the point that it is now possible to prohibit use of ascites in all but the most unusual and rare circumstances.

Replacement of animals (either intact, cells, or serum) in production of MAbs will finally allow for implementation of the humane possibilities of Kohler and Milstein's original discovery, replace a method widely acknowledged to be cruel with more humane options, and promote a greater understanding and acceptance of the alternatives approach to planning and conducting biomedical research (16).

For additional information on alternatives in biomedical research, testing and education, or to subscribe to our complimentary newsletter, please contact: John McArdle, Ph.D., Director, Alternatives Research & Development Foundation, 14280 Golf View Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55346-3000, USA, phone: 612-949-2409, fax: 612-949-2619.

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