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ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The announcement of the 2007 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine underscores the importance of laboratory animals in biomedical research. Americans for Medical Progress congratulates Mario R. Capecchi, Martin J. Evans and Oliver Smithies as they are honored by the Karolinska Institute for their animal-based research that pioneered gene targeting, technology now being used to develop treatments and cures for countless serious ailments.
"The Nobel Assembly's citation is a bold counterpoint to the dangerous agenda of animal rights leaders who are actively lobbying to stop scientists from conducting animal studies in disease research," said Jacquie Calnan, president of Americans for Medical Progress, a nonprofit organization that stands in support of biomedical research. "An end to animal-based research would be a critical blow to the health and well-being of people, pets, livestock and wildlife."
Ms. Calnan noted that the three scientists who share this year's Nobel Prize created the toolkit by which scientists are able to use mice to study heart disease, cancer, cystic fibrosis, hypertension and many other diseases. Already, several treatments have been developed and many more medicines are in the pipeline.
The citation by the Nobel Assembly stated: "Gene targeting has pervaded all fields of biomedicine. Its impact on the understanding of gene function and its benefits to mankind will continue to increase over many years to come."
Well over two-thirds of the Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine have been awarded for research that has relied, at least in part, on animal studies. A survey of living Nobel laureates conducted to commemorate the centenary of Alfred Nobel's death found virtually unanimous agreement that animal research remains necessary if new treatments and cures are to be developed.
"Now would be a good time for animal rights leaders to step away from their opposition to animal studies and demonstrate support for humane and responsible research that benefits both people and animals," AMP's Calnan stated.
She added, "Scientists are steadfast in their dedication to extend and improve lives through biomedical research. They will not be deterred from their mission. The humane and judicious use of laboratory animals remains a vital component of their work."
Americans for Medical Progress is dedicated to informing the public about the humane, responsible and beneficial nature of animal-based biomedical research. AMP is supported by research stakeholders including universities, medical schools, life science research centers, professional societies, and, most importantly, patients who await treatments and cures. The website for Americans for Medical Progress details the importance of animal research, and the threat of animal rights extremism to advances in biomedical research. See http://www.amprogress.org.
SOURCE Americans for Medical Progress Copyright©2007 PR Newswire. All rights reserved |