Charles River Laboratories is investing $500 million to promote the values of the 3Rs minimization of animal testing across its business. The Alternative Methods Advancement Project, launched in April, will receive $300 million over the next five years, adding to an initial $200 million invested so far by the contract research organization (CRO). The aim is to boost the implementation of 3Rs —replacement, reduction and refinement — in drug testing by developing animal-free methods for drug discovery and development. The CRO is also seeking partnerships to advance the use of virtual datasets and historical studies that can provide predictive information while reducing the use of animals.

The principles of the 3Rs for the humane and ethical use of animals in research were developed over 50 years ago and have been put into practice in scientific research and embedded in national and international legislation. In industry, advances in applying the 3Rs have been most effective in cosmetics testing. As a CRO, Charles River is exploring ways to enhance the implementation of 3Rs in drug development.