Does the CMRI use animals for research?
Yes, CMRI keeps mice and rats for the purpose of research. All the animals used are for the purpose of researching human health, development and illness with the aim of finding effective treatments for, and preventing childhood diseases. Not all our research involves the use of animals, the vast majority of our research is conducted in cells grown in the laboratory. Some recent developments from our cell-based research include; discovering a key mechanism in cancer cells that allows them to multiply unchecked; pioneering a way of using gene therapy (DNA as medicine) to repair damaged heart tissue and the creation of a potential new medicine for brain disorders like epilepsy and schizophrenia. CMRI’s policy on the care of experimental animals is based on ‘The Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes’ and the ‘Animal Research Act 1985’. One of the primary purposes of the code, one that our scientists strive to adhere to, is to “promote the devel
