Animal Welfare

Policy / Basic Philosophy

SNBL has defined its mission as "an absolute mission to support drug discovery and the improvement of medical technology, and to free humanity from suffering," and our efforts are summarized in fulfilling this mission.
In pharmaceutical research and development, it is difficult to accurately predict safety and efficacy in humans even with the latest scientific technology, and animal testing is considered indispensable when there are no alternatives. SNBL has established "Rules for Animal Testing" based on the "Law Concerning the Welfare and Management of Animals," "Standards for the Care and Management of Laboratory Animals and the Relief of Pain," "Basic Guidelines for the Conduct of Animal Experiments, etc. in Implementing Institutions Under the Jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare," "Guidelines for the Proper Conduct of Animal Experiments" formulated by the Science Council of Japan, and the US "The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals."
In addition, we conduct proper animal care and management in accordance with the internationally recognized basic principles of animal experimentation, the '3Rs' (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement), taking full account of the physiology, ecology, and habits of the animals.

Promotion Framework

Our company organizes an animal experimentation committee, which includes external members, under the responsibility of the head of the institution for the proper care and scientific use of animals. We also appoint designated veterinarians and facility managers to address the following matters.

• All animal experimentation plans are rigorously reviewed in advance by the animal experimentation committee from the perspectives of scientific rationality and animal welfare. Afterward, it is confirmed through an animal experimentation results report that the experiments were properly conducted based on the approved plans.
• Employees involved in animal experimentation are required to undergo education and training on animal welfare laws, animal health management, and handling before engaging in their duties. Additionally, regular ongoing training is conducted to enhance and maintain understanding of animal welfare in response to changes in laws, social environments, and scientific advancements.
• To ensure transparency in the conduct of animal experimentation, the animal experimentation committee regularly investigates the facilities and the status of animal experimentation for compliance with relevant laws, standards, guidelines, and animal experimentation regulations. Furthermore, self-inspections and evaluations are conducted.
• As a third-party evaluation, we obtained certification from AAALAC International, an international accreditation organization based in the United States, in 2011. Currently, all animal housing facilities in our company group undergo regular site visits and certification renewals.