Report of the ZEBET/BfR expert workshop: implementation and enforcement of the 3Rs principle regarding transgenic animals used for scientific purposes

In spite of great efforts to lower the number of vertebrates used for scientific purposes in Germany, records indicate rising numbers over the past years, thereby exceeding the 2.6 million mark for the first time in 2007. To great extents, this developmentis due to the increasing use of genetically modified (i.e. transgenic) animals. In May 2009, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment hosted an international workshop to conjointly evaluate specific measures and approaches to effectivelyconfine the use of transgenic animals for scientific purposes in the future. During the first day of the public symposium experts from both scientific institutions and affected stakeholders discussed the current status and value of transgenic animals usedfor scientific purposes. In following themed breakout groups, short lectures were given by selected experts on the kinds of methods they utilize, thereby focusing on the respective potential to replace, reduce or refine experiments that exploit transgenicanimals. Existing gaps of knowledge and demand for future research directions toward alternative methods have been identified and specified in a round table discussion. Participants developed recommendations in concordance with the 3Rs principle,addressing both regulatory authorities and scientists applying transgenic animals. A workshop report will be published shortly.