Researchers at the University of Marburg have developed a blood test that aims to reduce stress for laboratory mice used in drug testing by allowing for less invasive monitoring of tumor growth.
Researchers at the University of Marburg have unveiled a new blood test designed to enhance the treatment of laboratory mice used in pharmaceutical research. This innovative approach allows scientists to monitor tumor growth in mouse models more gently by measuring specific enzymes directly in the animals' blood. The ability to track tumor burden with a blood test could significantly improve the welfare of laboratory mice and is aligned with ethical research practices.
Traditionally, tumor growth in lab mice has been assessed using imaging techniques, which can be invasive and stressful for the animals. The researchers highlight that their new method considerably reduces the stress experienced by the mice, thereby adhering to the principles of the 3R guideline. This framework encourages researchers to reduce the number of animals used in experiments, refine experimental procedures to minimize suffering, and replace animal testing with alternative methods whenever feasible.
The implementation of this blood test could represent a significant step forward in laboratory animal welfare, potentially influencing future practices in drug development. By enabling a more humane approach to monitoring animal health and reducing reliance on more invasive procedures, this advancement not only benefits the mice but may lead to more ethical and effective research outcomes in the pharmaceutical industry.
