Animal welfare & ethics

Advancing Responsible Science

ERBC’s Dedication to Responsible Science and Animal Welfare

At ERBC, we understand the importance of responsibility in every step of our processes. As part of our ongoing commitment to Animal Welfare and Ethics, we adhere to the core principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement (3Rs) and integrate Responsibility and Rehoming, as  4^th and 5^th Rs,  to ensure animal well-being in our everyday approach to advancing science.

Our foundational principles, grounded in a deep sense of ethical responsibility, enable us to push the boundaries of preclinical research in a sustainable, humane, and scientifically advanced manner.

The 3Rs (Replace, Reduce, Refine): ERBC’s Core Approach to Animal Welfare

ERBC fully embraces the 3Rs—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement—to minimize the impact on animals used in research while enhancing the quality of scientific data. These principles not only help us stay at the forefront of ethical standards but also enable us to create innovative solutions for the pharmaceutical, chemical, and medical device industries.

Replace: ERBC invests in technology and alternative methods to replace animal models where possible. Our commitment to New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) includes innovative models such as AVI-PDX™ (avian embryo) coupled with 3D imaging,. These advancements allow us to gather highly predictive data with no use of animals.
Reduce: We collaborate closely with our clients to minimize the number of animals involved in studies. By optimizing study design and using cutting-edge technologies, we have reduced the use of spare animals, we include safety pharmacology endpoints in toxicology studies using non-invasive Jacket Telemetry for more efficient and ethical research. We also promote the reuse of animals in successive studies  when possible, namely for pharmacokinetic studies.
Refine: At ERBC, we constantly refine our practices to ensure animal well-being. Some cutting-edge technologies (non-invasive high-resolution imaging, external telemetric jacket) enable us to avoid some invasive procedures to obtain our scientific results, improving the animal welfare. We focus on less invasive identification methods, optimized blood collection practices, species-appropriate social housing, and behavioral management programs to improve the overall welfare of animals and most advanced animal/human relationship 

Responsibility: Leading Change in Preclinical Research

As part of our commitment to responsible research, ERBC continually evaluates and updates its policies on animal use and welfare. We aim to lead progressive change within the industry by engaging with both internal and external collaborators, including regulatory agencies, to ensure that our practices align with the latest scientific advancements and ethical standards.

ERBC is proud to be accredited by AAALAC International (all sites will be accredited by 2026), a globally recognized organization that sets the standard for excellence in laboratory animal care. This accreditation underscores our dedication to upholding the highest animal welfare standards in all of our preclinical studies.

Our Total Quality approach through regulatory compliance, best practices standards and scientific excellence brings consistent robustness to the data we generate, right on time, right first time.

Rehoming: A well-deserved retirement

Another part of our commitments is to work on rehoming programs for animals that are fit for adoption or placement in sanctuaries. After evaluation by a veterinarian and by the Animal Welfare Body, candidates for rehoming are proposed to specialized associations or to our employees who are willing to have them as pets and continue proper care after the research life.

Commitment to Innovation: Advancing New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)

At ERBC, we are not only committed to reducing our reliance on animal models but also to actively developing and adopting New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). By advancing digital technologies and exploring alternatives to traditional animal testing, we strive to minimize the ethical impact of our research while maintaining high scientific data quality.

AVI-PDX™ (avian embryo) coupled with 3D imaging: This innovative model combines advanced imaging with avian embryos to offer an alternative to animal testing in oncology research.
Non-invasive high-resolution imaging: This technology allows for detailed monitoring of animal subjects without the need for invasive procedures, reducing stress and improving data accuracy.
Non invasive jacket telemetry (DECRO): Our use of non-invasive telemetry enables us to collect physiological data remotely, reducing the need for invasive procedures and improving animal well-being.

Our Ethical Commitment: The Role of Our  Ethics Committees on Animal Experiments

Each of our research projects is reviewed by an Ethics  Committee on Animal Experiments, which include a panel of veterinarians, scientists, non-scientists, and external experts. This committee is responsible for reviewing study protocols, ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines, and maintaining a focus on animal welfare throughout the research process.

Collaboration with Industry Leaders: Our Role in the Global Dialogue on Animal Welfare

ERBC is a member of Gircor, a French association dedicated to improving the welfare of animals in research. Through this membership, we engage in discussions and collaborations that advance ethical practices and promote transparency in animal research. Learn more about Gircor