Kilpatrick, Amy and Lavette Scales, Richelle (2024) H12: Adverse Events and Animal Welfare in Biotech and Academia Alike: Creating Efficiency, an Open Program, and Automated Functions of Reporting. PRIMR biannual journal (conference proceedings), 2024 (N/A). pp. 34-36.

Abstract

This was previously submitted and approved through OAK as a conference presentation. PRIMR will be publishing some of the presentations in journal format on their website.

Reporting adverse events in animal research is important and essential for several key reasons: Animal Welfare, Scientific Integrity, Regulatory Compliance, Transparency and Accountability, Preventive Recurrence, and Protocol and Procedural Improvements as it pertains to the principle of the 3Rs.
Efficient reporting mechanisms can assist in efforts to encourage researchers to be more transparent when unanticipated events occur. It also promotes animal welfare by identifying procedures that may cause undue suffering, enabling researchers and to revise protocols or introduce refinements to minimize harm. It also gives IACUCs an opportunity to discuss scientific integrity and courses of action the lab should or must take to prevent recurrence, and make recommendations as necessary for researchers to consider for better scientific outcomes.
Reporting unanticipated events enhances data integrity in animal research studies. Unreported adverse effects can lead to biased results or misinterpretation of outcomes, potentially skewing the broader scientific understanding. Sharing this information helps other researchers anticipate potential issues, adapt their methodologies, and build upon existing knowledge with greater accuracy. It also helps to build public trust within the animal research and scientific community.
From a regulatory perspective, reporting adverse events ensures compliance with institutional and national policies and guidelines that govern the humane use of animals in research. It fosters accountability and supports post-approval monitoring of ongoing research, assessing risks, and enforcing the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement). This oversight helps maintain public trust in scientific institutions and upholds the moral obligation to treat research animals with care and respect.
Moreover, adverse event data can lead to innovation in experimental design, animal care and the development of safer experimental techniques. It also aids in refining humane endpoints, reducing unnecessary suffering. In conclusion, researchers should understand that accountability and transparency in reporting adverse events is a cornerstone of responsible, transparent, and ethical animal research.

Item Type:	Article
Date Deposited:	06 Jan 2026 00:45
Last Modified:	06 Jan 2026 00:45
URI:	https://oak.novartis.com/id/eprint/57544