Stem cell experts seek rabbit-human embryo First cloned ...€¦ · Sick zebrafish could hold key...

Mice give hope of blindness cure ... Acne drug linked to depression in mice ... Stem cell experiment on rats offers hope for human stroke victims ... Sick zebrafish could hold key to leukaemia ... Bird flu: the front line .... Organs grown for spare parts within decade ... Secret of the mice that kill cancers .... Stem cell experts seek rabbit-human embryo ... First cloned rat will help work on human disease ... Heart attack victims to be given own stem cells ....

Sperm targeting vaccine blocks male fertility in monkeys ... Tests raise hope of an AIDS cure .... Dog helps find cure for fatal muscle disease .... Scientists uncover clues into Crohn’s disease .... Stem cell cure for diabetes ... Oxygen supply could be Alzheimer’s factor ....

Abortion pill may limit breast cancer .... Help for stroke patients ... Rat study helps scientists catch up with the Atkins diet ... Mice give hope of blindness cure ... Acne drug linked to depression in mice ... Stem cell experiment on rats offers hope for human stroke victims ... Sick zebrafish could hold key to leukaemia ... Bird flu: the front line .... Organs grown for spare parts within decade ... Secret of the mice that kill cancers .... Stem cell experts seek rabbit-human embryo ... First cloned rat will help work on human disease ... Sperm targeting vaccine blocks male fertility in monkeys ... Protein hope for prostate cancer .... Tests raise hope of an AIDS cure .... Dog helps find cure for fatal muscle disease .... Scientists uncover

A Researchers’ Guide to Communications

Published by Understanding Animal Research April 2009

Stem cell cure for diabetes

Scientists have used stem cells from

human bone marrow to repair the

pancreas and kidneys of diabetic

mice.

Researchersat the Universityof

Vermont transplantedhuman mesenchymal

stem cells (hMSCs) into

diabetic mice with no immune

system. One month later, the mice

were producing 34% more insulin

and had 34% less blood glucose

compared to untreated diabetic

mice (PNAS 2006, 103, 17438).

The hMSCs were extracted from

human bone marrow and infused

directly into the mouse heart to

prevent entanglement of the cells

in small blood vessels in the lungs

and heart, A small amount of

human insulin was detected in the

mouse s bloodstream but the vast

majority was mouse insulin proving

that the mice s own insulin

producing cells had been repaired

by the treatment.

Three percent of the hMSCs

engrafted into the pancreas and

11% into the kidney. None bound

to undamaged tissues.

Senior author Darwin Prockop

said: The cells have the remarkable

property of homing in on injured

tissues and repairing them. hMSCs

are part of a naturalrepair system.

Prockop says they simply administered

far more cells than the mouse

could produce itself

Prockop is now planning clinical

trials on patients with type I

and type II diabetes using their

own hMSCs, which will be grown

in cell culture prior to infusion.

John Casey, an expert in stem

cell transplantationat Edinburgh

University, UK thinks the work is

promising. He says: The strategy

is attractive tbr treating humans

in that adult cells are used, avoiding

many of the ethical and moral dilemmas

surrounding embryonic

stem cell production. He does,

however, add that extensive testing

will be needed to ensure that the

cells do not cause tumours.

Diabetesaffects more than 2m

people in the UK with a further

750 000 thought to be undiagnosed.

Diabetics are unable to control their

blood sugar as their pancreas is

unable to release the hormone insulin,

which stores glucose away

for later use. In type I diabetes the

pancreaticcells that release insulin

have stopped working altogether

often destroyed by the bodys

immune system. In type II diabetes,

which is often linked with obesity,

the sufferer is unable to produce

sufficient insulin, because the pancreatic

cells have been exhausted

by over-stimulation.

Copyright Newspaper Licensing Agency. For internal use only. Not for reproduction

Issue Date : 20/11/2006

Circulation :

Page : 10

Publication : Chemistry and Industry

Muscular dystrophy

breakthrough following

tests on Italian dogsA STEM-celltreatmentfor the degenerative

and fataldisease muscular dystrophy

could be availablefor testing

on patients within two years, following

a remarkable series of experiments

on dogs,

Muscular dystrophy comes in at

least 20 forms with Duchenne

being the most common and causes

muscle wasting, progressive paralysis

and evenmally death, affecting about

30,000 people in Britain alone.

Treatments

There are no effective treatments,

but last week an Italian team reported

success in experiments on dogs who

have a form of Duchenne muscular

dystrophy, which is caused by a lack

of the protein dystrophin in muscle

fibre&

Golden Retrieversalso suffer from

the genetic disease, the result of a

naturally-occuthng mutation, and

they axe the most accurate animal

model of the human disease. The

dramatic results of stem-celltherapy

on the dogs are reportedin the journal

Nature by Prof Giulio Cossu, director

of the Stem Cell Research Institute

of San Raffaele Scientific Institute

of Milan,

The work shows that it is possible

to halt the diseaseand possibly even

reverseit to a degree.

The therapy was described as

a very significantadvance, perhaps

even a breakthrough ,by Prof

George Dickson of Royal Holloway,

Universityof London.

Dr Marita Pohlschmidt the director

of researchat the Muscular Dystrophy

Campaign,said: If it does prove to

be successfulin humans, this technology

has the potential to develop

into an efficient and ground breaking

treatment.

Working with the University of

Pavia and the Veterinarian School of

Macon Alfort in Paris, Prof Cossu s

team transplanted cells called mesoangjoblasts

stem cells gathered

from small blood vessels in muscle

that are programmed to develop

into muscle cells.The cells came from

healthy dogs and were multiplied in

the laboratoryto sufficient quantities.

These were injected into the blood

stream of dogs with the disease and

their immune systems were sup

pressed to stop the stem cells from

being rejected.

That worked, Prof Cossu told the

Daily Telegraph. The cells were earned

around the body to the affected

muscles and increased their strength,

which hi turn improved the ability of

the dogs to walk.

Stem cells

One dog, Azor, was only five

months old but was already limping as

a result of the disease. But, after five

consecutive injections of stem cells

extractedfrom adult muscle, he was

able to bound around like his peers.

Azor regained incredible mobility,

much more than when the treatment

started, said Prof Cossu.

He could not extend his hind limbs

at first and was jumping like a rabbit.

But it was amazir to see how he

could then move, without any fatigue.

In dogs, this is the best result so far?

To see if it was also possible to

conect the dogs own cells so they

would not need anti-rejection drugs,

stem cells were isolated from affected

dogs, and a type of virus a lentivirus

was used to insert into the cells

a conected copy of the faulty dystrophin

protein, actually a strippeddown

down versionof the human gene.

Other animals around four

months and already limping were

injected five times at monthly intervals

with their own modified stem

cells, but there was no improvement

even though the gene therapy seemed

to work at the molecular level.

In the long-term,this type of transplant

would be preferable because

it would do away with a lifetime

of immune suppression;without this,

some dogs in the trial who received

stem cells from another animal rapidly

lost the ability to walk

Prof Cossu has already discussed

human transplants with an Italian

charity and is planning clinical trials.

The flr attempt is likely to use stem

cells from a donor with a similar tissue

type, the method that succeeded

with the dogs.

Copyright Newspaper Licensing Agency. For internal use only. Not for reproduction

Issue Date : 24/11/2006

Circulation :

Page : 4

Publication : Dog World

A Researchers’ Guide to Communications 3

A Researchers’ Guide to Communications

This document outlines ways scientists at research institutions can communicate openly about animal research. It

should provide you with the necessary information to feel confident about communicating on this issue and includes a list of

the most important communications actions you should take.

We created this guide following two and a half years of conversations with over 1,000 scientists and presentations to institutions across the UK (see map below of where we have been). In doing so we considered the concerns and issues a

number of scientists have raised and we address them accordingly.

4 A Researchers’ Guide to Communications

Two years ago the RDS* Resource Centre published the first edition of the Communications Handbook. This made the case for more openness on the issue of animal research and gave guidelines as to how to go about creating and implementing a pro-active communications strategy.

A lot has happened since then. More and more institutions are adopting pro-active communications strategies. Scientists and researchers feel confident that their institutions will sup-port them in their communications activities.

The government remains committed to tackling extremist ac-tivity and supporting the scientific community. In the begin-ning of 2009 we saw high levels of sentencing of some very prominent extremists for their campaigns of harassment and intimidation against HLS.

In 2008, the scientific community breathed a sigh of relief when the University of Oxford finally opened its modernised Biomedical Research building.

By adopting a more proactive approach to com municating on this issue research institutions can help themselves in three key ways: they can safeguard their reputation and minimise the risk posed by the antivivisectionists; they can gain public

Background

*In January 2009, the RDS merged with its sister organisation CMP to create Understanding Animal Research and the RDS Resource Centre work on openness is now part of the organisations core activities.


support for animal research; and they can help encourage the government to continue to address the extremist threat.

Legislation and security may protect those involved and their institutions. But such measures will not win the public debate. All of us need to be prepared to explain why animal research is necessary. We must create an environment in which tax payers, funders, donors, shareholders, and the public at large, feel confident that the research being conducted on their behalf is necessary and humane. In turn those who communi-cate will feel more supported and confident.

Research institutions can help illuminate the complex ethi cal issues of animal research and its benefits to human and ani-mal health. Carefully crafted com munication will foster under-standing and trust. Non-communication will merely make us look secretive.

For futher assistance and advice on communications please contact Corina Hadjiodysseos at the address below

Telephone 020 7287 2818Facsimile 020 7287 2627Email [email protected]

www.understandinganimalresearch.org.uk

Understanding Animal Research25 Shaftesbury AvenueLondon W1D 7EG


Why we need a new approachThe antivivisectionists have been setting the agenda for too long. Their approach, using emotive messages and pseudo-scientific claims, has been very effective until relatively re-cently. Things have now changed, however. The media are increasingly on our side and a number of initiatives (like the Pro-Test Movement and the People’s Petition) showed that the public is increasingly supportive.

Antivivisectionists are not going away anytime soon. However, by being open on this issue you (and your institution) will be in the position to preempt any communications activities from them. Indeed, one of their most common arguments is that the reason the scientific community is ‘secretive’ is because there is something to hide. Time to prove them wrong.

Animal research is highly regulated in the UK and an impor-tant part of the science of discovery and understanding. This is not a ‘dirty little secret’ and unwillingness to communicate only helps perpetuate the myth that scientists have a hidden agenda.

www.UnderstandingAnimal Research.org.uk includes many useful communica-tions resources for re-searchers.


Time to talk It is often a concern raised by many scientists, that having kept their ‘heads below the parapet’ for such a long time they would not want to attract attention.

This could not be further than the truth. Your work is already public, through your papers and conference participation. By not being open you’re merely keeping information from those who would potentially be your supporters and allies. Indeed, supportive members of the public (eg patients) have some-times found it difficult to locate information and arguments to support their case. Now is the time to make this information available to them.

There has never been a better time to be more open about your work involving animals:

There is more positive media coverage about animal Ôresearch and a greater sympathy for researchers and their institutions.

There is a greater commitment to engaging with the Ôpublic as more people are willing to speak up about animal research than ever before.

We have strength in numbers. Initiatives to explain why Ôwe use animals in research are increasingly coordinated. More and more scientists now feel comfortable to discuss the animal research part of their work in the context of scientific discovery. In addition over 100 UK research organisations have now posted statements on their websites explaining the need for carefully regulated animal research.

Scientists and organisations that have communicated Ôhave not become targets as a result. On the contrary, the more institutions that are transparent, the less likely it is for any one institution to be singled out.


The extremists are spread thinly, and very few individuals or institutions are currently targets of harassment and intimi-dation. At the end of 2007, the National Extremism Tactical Coordination Unit (NETCU) announced that crimes related to animal research were at a 30-year low. This trend has contin-ued.

The current political climate is extremely positive. The gov-ernment is openly supportive of animal research and has introduced additional measures to deal with extremists, in-cluding new legislation to restrict their activities. The animal rights extremists are under considerable police pressure; most are in jail, and most types of extremist activity are de-clining steadily.

It is also important to note, that those insitutions that have been targeted in the past were not open on this issue. Indeed, there is NO relationship between being open and being tar-geted.

Objectives of your communications activities The best way to build confidence is to make steady progress towards greater openness. Contact your press and commu-nications office and the central administration and ask them what their strategy is for this issue. You may find that your in-stitution is not as open as you would like it to be but is taking steps to the right direction. Your voice is valuable; experi-ence shows that if openness is a priority for scientists the institution will take notice.

Like any communications exercise, it is important to set your communications objectives, ie why are you doing this and what you’re hoping to achieve. These can include:


Protecting and enhancing your institution’s reputation Ôwhilst minimising the potential for damage. This might relate to animal research in general or to specific issues. For ex-ample, maybe your local MP or MEP is sceptical, or your local animal rights group is accusing you of mistreating animals.

Informing the wider public about the benefits of animal Ôresearch and gaining public support.

Participating in the local community – this issue is often of Ôconcern to local people and other stakeholders. There may be specific issues, such as the construction of a new animal research facility, or concern about primate research that need to be addressed.

Encouraging your peers and the government to acknowl- Ôedge the benefits of animal research.

Who you will be talking to The emphasis of the strategy should be on generating sup-port to explain the benefits of animal research. The long-term aim is to present animal research as a normal and accepted part of wider scientific research efforts (albeit with important ethical issues).

This is not about engaging with anti-vivisectionists. They have an ethical and moral view on this issue and will never be convinced otherwise. This is about reaching some of the same audiences they direct their communications to:

Colleagues and co-workers at your institution

How many of your colleagues in other departments know what you do? Do people in the English or Philosophy Depart-ment for example know that you use animals in your work? Provide information about projects where animal research


Between January and February 2006, RDS, a forerunner of Understanding Animal Research, conducted a survey to better understand the follow-on effects – if any – of speaking about animal research in the media. The survey was conducted via email and the web. One hundred individuals (mostly, but not exclusively, scientists) were selected on the basis that their names had appeared in national newspapers in connection with animal research in 2004 and 2005. 60 responded, and the following analysis is based on their answers.

All but six of the 60 received no attention whatsoever from antivivisectionists or animal rights activists. Four received a direct or indirect written response – a letter to the newspaper in which their original comment had been published, a few cranky emails or mention on a website. Just two of the 60 received threats or abuse following their media appearance; they had either been targeted before and/or came from an institution that was already a named target when they spoke out. Contrary to common perceptions, it is clear that the vast majority of people have nothing to fear from speaking out.

Three quarters of those who responded felt positive or very positive (4 and 5 on the scale of 1 to 5) about this media expo-sure. Only four felt somewhat negative (2 on the scale), none very negative. A quarter were concerned about their media exposure, many adding comments about their concerns while a few were ambivalent, but the majority felt relaxed about their media exposure.

Reaction to further engagement in the media debate was mixed, with some voicing fears about the potential of being targeted as a result. Eleven respondents said they would like support in the event of attention from extremists or antivivi-sectionists. Several said they would like media tips or training,

Animal research and the media: a survey


one said they would like more support from their own univer-sity. Understanding Animal Research can provide support as required and we have contacted those who requested sup-port, expressed concerns or asked questions.

Whether they personally felt concerned or relaxed, and whether they themselves wanted to do more or not, many respondents clearly felt that engagement with the media on animal research was generally beneficial.

Some typical comments received:

“I have had to balance the pros and cons and wish to keep a low profile as we have not had problems at our Institute to date.”

“Speaking out is still rather a scary prospect.”

“I fully support the aims of RDS in attempting to improve the quality of media coverage of this matter. However I do not think I can contribute effectively in the public arena to the debate.”

“The more people speak out the better it will be – I have seen a real change in attitude of journalists over the last couple of years and this is really important, so first we need to educate the media then work with them to foster debate.”

“Leadership and positive action is required from the universities on the issues of animal research. They should understand and be communicating that these are issues first of basic principle and second of enormous practical importance for human and animal health. Without the commitment of Vice Chancellors and university administration, individual researchers are isolated and exposed.”

“I think that it is important that scientists are prepared to en-gage in public debate (given adequate protection) with the me-dia, government etc.”

Animal research and the media: a survey


plays a part (eg Alzheimer’s studies). It will be much easier for these people to explain and defend this work – if necessary – if they have information. For example, a certificate holder at a leading institution told us that colleagues from other departments were surprised that the institution had an ethi-cal review committee to oversee animal research. This is very important and your colleagues, and indeed the public, need to know that this work is strictly regulated.

Opinion formers – media, politicians, local influencers

These are the people you want on your side. The way to do this is by engaging with them to explain why you do animal re-search and what role this work plays in scientific and medical advances. Invite small groups of key decision makers into the facility so that they can meet the researchers, and can wit-ness good animal welfare practices for themselves. (See case study on the next page Making friends before you need them)

Other national and international organisations, government and industry contacts

It is useful to discuss with your contemporaries in other in-stitutions the tactics they have used and found successful or otherwise. There is also strength in numbers, so you can act together on co-ordinated initiatives.

Research funders (for universities)

Research funders are likely to want to liaise with you on any publicity for the results of your research. These days the ma-jor funders are very open and encourage mentioning use of animals in publicity materials.


An animal research establishment found itself in a difficult position a few years ago when a disgruntled former employee gave confidential documents to an animal rights group. The intention of the animal rights group was to expose this information to the media in the way which would damage the credibility of the research organisation.

However, this research establishment had worked behind the scenes for a number of years to bolster its position. A standard statement on why it was necessary to use animals had been prepared years in ad-vance.

Without trying to court unnecessary pub-licity, it had invited its local MP in to visit the animal lab. It had also established a re-lationship with the local paper, and agreed to comment on the reasons why it used animals when the story broke.

When the story hit the local paper, it was reasonably balanced. As a result, it was not sensationalist enough to be picked up more widely by the nationals. The local MP came out in support of the research es-tablishment, and this served as a reminder that it was a major local employer, bringing valuable jobs to the community.

Case study: making friends before you need them


The public

While the media will be your primary tool for reaching the public on this issue it might be useful to identify specific audi-ences that you can reach in other more direct ways. These audiences can include:

Local residents and local community groups Ô

Schools (see information on UAR Schools Education Pro- Ôgramme, below)

Neighbouring organisations and suppliers Ô

Schools education

The topic of animal research is a popu-lar one in schools, although too often it is antivivisection groups who shape the agenda by supplying speakers and materials. By taking part in the UAR school speaker programme you can make a big contribution towards re-dressing the balance the balance.

Our speakers are trained to give short talks to local schools about their work with animals, making sure that the scientific facts of animal research are put across with a human face. Both re-search scientists and animal technolo-gists can be highly effective as school speakers. If you would be interested in volunteering as a school speaker con-tact John Meredith ([email protected]) for more information.


Developing the messagesAfter identifying your communications objectives and target audiences you can then begin developing your key messages to help achieve the desired goals. Appropriate messages in-clude:

Research using animals brings great benefits (try to use Ôexamples that people can relate to).

Research using animals is conducted humanely and with Ôgreat emphasis on animal welfare.

The principles of replacement, refinement, and reduction Ô(‘the 3Rs’) guide research in the UK.

Every effort is made to improve animal welfare, minimise Ôthe use of animals and adopt alternative methods.

The institution recognises public concerns about animal Ôresearch and is willing to engage in open debate.

What it means to be open and how you can do itBeing open is not about ‘advertising’ that you do animal research or going to debates with antivivisectionists. Ways of being open include:

1. A web statement explaining your institution’s policy on animal research. If your institution doesn’t already have one, encourage the administration to do so. This needs to be kept up-to-date and relevant. A policy statement is not necessar-ily a proactive communications tool but it is a useful one to use reactively when you receive calls asking about animal research, or indeed, if you are accused of hiding it.


2. Carefully planned visits to the research facilities, eg by politicians, journalists, and staff not engaged in animal re-search, can bring great benefits and have already proven very successful. To start with, why not contact your local MP and MEPs and invite them to visit. More and more institutions find that this is extremely useful engagement. Unlike a media interview, which can be very short, such a visit will provide you with the opportunity to show-case the high standards of animal welfare at your lab, discuss in more detail your area of work and why specific animal models work, and remedy the impressions that people may have about animal facilities.

3. Publicising research - when publicising research that involved animals, following the publication in a journal for example, make sure that you include appropriate information about the animal-related aspects of the work. This could be in press releases, on your website, in newsletters, annual reports or in other publications. Such publicity is a good way for the public to understand the role that animal research plays in the scientific process.

4. The media - ask your press office for their policies for dealing with the media and making contact with local media outlets and individual journalists. See page 18 for more.

In May 2008, The Guardian newspaper was granted un-precedented access to a primate facility. A journalist and photographer had access to every room in the facility, including during experiments. The institution opted for anonymity but the resulting article (a two-page spread in the paper) did not create a major upset other than a few letters to the newspaper opposing the use of primates in research for ethical reasons.


“This was the first time I had done any media work and I

received a lot of support from my university. I was surprised

that my research was so well re-ceived. Nobody questioned the use of animals and they were only interested in the findings

of the study. Overall it was a fun and rewarding experience,”Dr Sarah J Bailey, Dept of

Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University of Bath

“I have been making the case for animal research publicly for many years now, including high profile interviews on the Today

programme Newsnight etc. I have had absolutely no threats or other adverse reactions – on the contrary, some interesting debates. It is our responsibility as scientists and educators to

explain the importance of what we do, and why we do it, to the general public. If we don’t do it then who will?”

Professor Christopher Higgins FRSE FRSA FMedSci, Vice Chancellor, University of Durham


In the past few years, there have been a number of animal re-search stories that have been widely reported without provok-ing any reactions from animal rights activists. A researcher at the University of Bath published a paper that showed a link between a well-known acne medicine and depression in mice. Her work received wide coverage in the media without at-tracting any unwanted attention. Soon after, a story about the recovery of sight in mice with retinal damage received similar widespread media coverage.

These are just two of many examples where animal research itself receives positive media coverage because of the sig-nificance of the findings and the potential benefits. Don’t fall into the trap of treating these stories as being about ‘animal experimentation’.

They are important scientific and medical research stories that simply give details of the work and the use of animals. Animal research is simply part of the narrative and not the story.

The media

When officials at New York University heard that an ani-mal rights protest was going to target a research project they organised a press confer-ence, the day before the protest was scheduled to take place. A number of scientists and senior

government officials talked to the press about the benefits of animal research. The next day’s animal rights protest received very little press coverage.

A New York advertising agency, Bozell, Jacobs, Kenyon & Eck-hardt, created at no charge an

Case study: pre-emptive strike


The safety of staff and researchers is a high priority. However, there is no indication that speaking out in the media puts an institution in danger. On the contrary, institutions that hold up their end of the communications bargain are perceived in a more positive light by the public.

For reactive media work, agree the institution’s position with regard to likely requests such as visits, photographs, inter-views. Many journalists only have stock images from anti-vivisection organisations – if they have no other option then these are the images that will be used.

Arranging access for cameras to the animal labs can be done under highly controlled conditions. For example, in 2005 several institutions allowed a BBC medical correspondent and camera crew to film their animal facilities. This resulted in very positive TV news items on the main BBC news.

Clarify your institutional policies well in advance so you know how to respond to an enquiry.

advertising campaign for the Foundation for Biomedical Research – America’s old-est and largest organisa-tion dedicated to promoting public understanding of the responsible use of animals in scientific research.

Mice give hope of blindness cure ... Acne drug linked to depression in mice ... Stem cell experiment on rats offers hope for human stroke victims ... Sick zebrafish could hold key to leukaemia ... Bird flu: the front line .... Organs grown for spare parts within decade ... Secret of the mice that kill cancers .... Stem cell experts seek rabbit-human embryo ... First cloned rat will help work on human disease ... Heart attack victims to be given own stem cells ....

Sperm targeting vaccine blocks male fertility in monkeys ... Tests raise hope of an AIDS cure .... Dog helps find cure for fatal muscle disease .... Scientists uncover clues into Crohn’s disease .... Stem cell cure for diabetes ... Oxygen supply could be Alzheimer’s factor ....

Abortion pill may limit breast cancer .... Help for stroke patients ... Rat study helps scientists catch up with the Atkins diet ... Mice give hope of blindness cure ... Acne drug linked to depression in mice ... Stem cell experiment on rats offers hope for human stroke victims ... Sick zebrafish could hold key to leukaemia ... Bird flu: the front line .... Organs grown for spare parts within decade ... Secret of the mice that kill cancers .... Stem cell experts seek rabbit-

April 2009

Telephone 020 7287 2818Facsimile 020 7287 2627Email [email protected]

www.understandinganimalresearch.org.uk

Understanding Animal Research25 Shaftesbury AvenueLondon W1D 7EG

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