Foundation for Biomedical Research

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The Foundation for Biomedical Research (FBR) is an American non profit organization, 501(c)(3), located in Washington, DC. Established in 1981, the organization is dedicated to informing the news media, teachers, and other groups about the need for lab animals in medical and scientific research. The organization argues that promoting animal research leads to improved human and veterinary health.^[1]

Its founding president is Frankie Trull.

Board of governors

Since October 2008, Dr. Hiram C. Polk Jr. has served as chairman of FBR's board of governors. Dr. Polk succeeds the late Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, who was FBR’s chairman for nearly 25 years.

Animal research

Some animal rights supporters believe that alternatives exist for animal models in research; however the vast majority of scientists believe that no adequate alternatives exist, and that there is little realistic argument about the critical role that animal studies have played in medical progress.^[2][3][4]

According to the Foundation for Biomedical Research, animal research has been responsible for every medical breakthrough over the past century, although this position has been disputed by some animal rights activists and organizations.^[5][6][7][8] It cites animal research as leading to advances in antibiotics, blood transfusions, dialysis, organ transplantation, vaccinations, chemotherapy, bypass surgery, joint replacement, and methods for prevention, treatment, cure and control of disease, pain and suffering.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the total number of animals used in that country in 2005 was almost 1.2 million,^[9] excluding rats and mice.^[10][11] In the U.S., the numbers of rats and mice used is estimated at 20 million a year.^[11] Other rodents commonly used are guinea pigs, hamsters, and gerbils. Mice are the most commonly used vertebrate species because of their size, low cost, ease of handling, and fast reproduction rate.^[12] The Foundation advocates the highest quality of animal care and treatment, stating that the use of animals in research is a privilege, and that animals deserve our respect and the best possible care.

Activities

The Foundation for Biomedical Research conducts educational programs for the news media, teachers, students and parents, pet owners and other groups.

FBR publishes a subscriber-based daily news service called Total E-clips featuring biomedical research news, medical breakthroughs, political and legislative and activism news.

Since 1981, the FBR has monitored and analyzed the activities of animal rights organizations relating to researchers and institutions.

See also

• Animal testing
• History of animal testing

References

1. Foundation for Biomedical Research. "About FBR". Retrieved 2009-06-24.
2. Sir John Vane. "Animal research and medical progress".
3. About animal testing. "Scientists Against Animal Testing".
4. The Society for Neuroscience. "Policies on the Use of Animals and Humans in Neuroscience Research".
5. Ruesch, Hans (1989). 1000 Doctors (and many more) Against Vivisection. Civis/Civitas. ASIN B000FJGF82.
6. Animal Experimentation Issues PCRM
7. "The Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT)". Retrieved 2009-06-24.
8. PETA. "Animals in Experimentation – Everybody Loses" (PDF). Retrieved 2009-06-24.
9. 2005 Report on Enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act U.S. Department of Agriculture, Accessed 8 February 2008
10. The humane care and treatment of laboratory animals National Association of Biomedical Research, Accessed 8 February 2008
11. Trull, Frankie L.; Rich, Barbara A. (1999). "More Regulation of Rodents". Science. 284 (5419): 1463. doi:10.1126/science.284.5419.1463.
12. Rosenthal, N; Brown, S (2007). "The mouse ascending: perspectives for human-disease models.". Nature Cell Biology. 9 (9): 993–9. doi:10.1038/ncb437. PMID 17762889.

External links

• FBR website