Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Human-specific Medical Research Techniques

04 July 2023 · 4 other contributors · 5,828 words

Opened by Steve McCabe Lab Birmingham, Selly Oak

Responding minister: Paul Scully

Science & TechnologyNHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Steve McCabe raised concerns about human-specific medical research techniques in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Mr McCabe raises concerns about the high failure rate of drugs that show promise in animal tests, citing over 92% failure to translate into safe and effective human medicines.
  • Mr McCabe highlights the use of new approach methodologies based on human biology, such as organ-on-a-chip methods and advanced use of human cells and tissues, which are increasingly relied upon by researchers.
  • Mr McCabe calls for a human-specific technologies Act and suggests transferring responsibility for new approach methodologies and ending animal testing from the Home Office to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Key requests to Government

Mr. McCabe calls for a human-specific technologies Act to provide a new legislative framework similar to the Climate Change Act 2008. He requests that responsibility for new approach methodologies and ending animal testing be transferred from the Home Office to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Mr. McCabe also suggests establishing an expert advisory committee to keep up with scientific advancements and setting realistic milestones for transitioning to human-specific research.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Steve McCabe Lab Birmingham, Selly Oak

Mr. McCabe is concerned about the high failure rate of drugs that show promise in animal tests, with over 92% failing to translate into safe and effective medicines for humans. He highlights the use of new approach methodologies based on human biology, such as organ-on-a-chip methods and advanced use of human cells and tissues, which are increasingly relied upon by researchers. Mr. McCabe also mentions several projects in universities and hospitals that utilise these techniques, including cancer research at Queen Mary University of London and heart disease studies using stem cell models at the University of Nottingham.

Other contributors (4)
  • Carol Monaghan SNP Glasgow North West

    Scotland has seen an increase in the use of animals for scientific purposes, with over 3 million procedures involving animals in 2021. The contributor is concerned about the increasing trend and the reliability of animal testing, as only 10% of new medicines pass human trials based on animal responses. She called for urgent development of human-specific alternatives to live animal use.

  • Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West

    The hon. Member discussed the importance of human-specific medical research techniques, including 3D tissue culture and computer-based modelling, which can reduce reliance on animal testing. She highlighted that while there is progress in developing alternative methods, the UK's focus on scientific innovation has been affected by a lack of stability in government departments, resulting in fewer late-stage clinical trials compared to other countries. Labour supports the three R's approach—replace, refine and reduce—and calls for a comprehensive review of animal testing.

  • Martyn Brown SDLP Belfast South

    Animal testing is not just an issue of animal welfare, but also one of medical progress and human health outcomes. Non-animal alternatives offer more accurate predictions for humans.

  • Charles Walker Con Broxbourne

    Intervened, noting that while he sympathises with the concerns raised about animal testing, there is a need for scientific progress and accurate medical research methods.

Government Response

Paul Scully

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Charles. I congratulate the hon. Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak on securing this debate on human-specific medical research techniques. The Government's plan aims to cement the UK's place as a science and technology superpower by 2030 through an investment of £20 billion per annum in R&D by 2024-25. This includes £650 million for life sciences, with £121 million specifically for improving commercial clinical trials to bring new medicines to patients faster. Animal studies are used as the basis for extrapolation but very few drugs that enter human clinical trials prove unacceptable risks; without animal testing, more potential medicines would not progress to market and resources would be wasted on excluded candidates. The Government supports the three Rs approach: replacement of animals where unnecessary, reduction in number needed, and refinement of methods to minimise pain and distress for animals involved. Through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), funding is provided to develop non-animal technologies like organ-on-a-chip systems. Despite this support, there are still purposes essential for using live animals due to the complexity of biological systems. The Government will continue to fund innovations that edge out animal testing but also recognise the necessity of regulated use where alternatives do not exist. Legal framework is clear: animals used only when no alternatives, numbers minimised and harm limited.

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