Industry leaders support European initiative to end animal testing. In a report published this week, international pharmaceutical and cosmetic firms AstraZeneca, Procter & Gamble, Unilever and L'Oreal announced their support for the European Commission-funded initiative, AXLR8, a measure that seeks to transition to humane alternatives to alleviate the suffering and deaths of millions of animals. The report indicated that up to now, testing a single chemical could cost ₤2.5 million over a five-year period, with the sacrifice of some 800 small animals’ lives, while the new robotic technologies can test 350 substances in less than a week for a fraction of the expense, and all lives spared. Troy Seidle, director of research for Humane Society International and associate coordinator of the AXLR8 initiative, said, “This is the first step towards a road map that will see the phasing out … of animals (used) in safety testing.”

A big bravo, European Commission and all firms and organizations striving to halt the cruel and unnecessary practice of animal experimentation. We applaud your efforts to save cherished lives and pray that such endeavors blossom across the globe, as all cherished animal co-inhabitants are treated with only love and respect.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/8165125/Drug-and-cosmetics-firms-back-plan-to-cut-animal-testing.htm
http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2010/04/axlr8_eu_initiative_041510.html
http://getdrugtest.com/drug-testing-drug-and-cosmetic-companies-cutting-plan-for-the-examination/