Use of laboratory animals for research – The situation today

As pharmaceutical group, one of sanofi-aventis' missions is to contribute to the progress of medicine through the discovery of new drugs. It is necessary to use laboratory animals in research for the development of these new compounds, which bring hope to thousands of patients.

In addition to widely used experimental in vitro studies, the aim is to collect as much information as possible about the therapeutic or toxic effects of a new drug in a higher species.
Such studies are indispensable for the research and development of new products, and they are mandatory before beginning clinical trials in humans.

In addition to R&D toxicology studies, sanofi pasteur uses animals to ensure the efficacy and quality of its vaccines before they are brought to market, in compliance with specific regulations pertaining to vaccines.