Relevance of animal experimentation

A human being is a human being, a mouse is a mouse. Each organism has its own peculiarities, but also similarities with others. These peculiarities limit the significance of animal experiments, but they do not make them useless. It is possible to draw initial conclusions about the mechanisms in humans. However, scientists are always aware that research on humans must also be carried out before reliable statements can be made.

Can the results of animal studies be transferred to humans?
Would it not be better to test medicines directly on humans to determine whether they are effective?
Image: O. Cafiero
Safety of tested products
No matter how safe tests may be, the risk of undesirable effects can only be minimised.
Image: Institut für Labortierkunde
Which therapies do we owe to animal experiments?
For example, the discovery of antibiotics, insulin, vaccines or Heparin and the development of organ transplantations, surgical techniques or implants.
Image: Universität Zürich

Can the results of animal studies be transferred to humans?

Safety of tested products

Which therapies do we owe to animal experiments?