I READ Tom Bromley's recent letter "What the alternative to animal testing?"
Using human tissue is more reliable, because animals react differently to humans.
Cell cultures and computer modelling can be used. One charity (Animal Aid) runs a scheme whereby people volunteer to donate left-over tissue for research after an operation. (Tel: 01732 364546)
The book "Science on Trial - the human cost of animal experiments" by Dr Robert Sharpe, details all the medical advances which were delayed by animal research giving false results for humans.
If penicillin had been used on guinea pigs first, we may never have had its benefits because penicillin kills guinea pigs.
The toll from medical drugs proves the unreliability of animal tests. One in ten hospital beds is occupied by someone damaged by prescribed medical drugs - yet they were all animal tested.
Name & address withheld
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