Foundation for Biomedical Research
Encyclopedia
The Foundation for Biomedical Research (FBR) is an American
non profit organization, 501(c)(3), located in Washington, DC. Established in 1981, the organization is dedicated to informing the news media, teachers, and other groups about the need for lab animals in medical and scientific research. The organization argues that promoting animal research leads to improved human and veterinary health.
Its founding president is Frankie Trull
.
, who was FBR’s chairman for nearly 25 years.
supporters believe that alternatives
exist for animal models in research; however the vast majority of scientists believe that no adequate alternatives exist, and that there is little realistic argument about the critical role that animal studies have played in medical progress.
According to the Foundation for Biomedical Research, animal research has been responsible for every medical breakthrough over the past century, although this position has been disputed by some animal rights activists and organizations. It cites animal research as leading to advances in antibiotics, blood transfusions, dialysis, organ transplantation, vaccinations, chemotherapy, bypass surgery, joint replacement, and methods for prevention, treatment, cure and control of disease, pain and suffering.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the total number of animals used in that country in 2005 was almost 1.2 million, excluding rats and mice. In the U.S., the numbers of rats and mice used is estimated at 20 million a year. Other rodents commonly used are guinea pigs, hamsters, and gerbils. Mice are the most commonly used vertebrate species because of their size, low cost, ease of handling, and fast reproduction rate. The Foundation advocates the highest quality of animal care and treatment, stating that the use of animals in research is a privilege, and that animals deserve our respect and the best possible care.
The Foundation for Biomedical Research conducts educational programs for the news media, teachers, students and parents, pet owners and other groups.
FBR publishes a subscriber-based daily news service called Total E-clips featuring biomedical research news, medical breakthroughs, political and legislative and activism news.
Since 1981, the FBR has monitored and analyzed the activities of animal rights organizations relating to researchers and institutions.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
non profit organization, 501(c)(3), located in Washington, DC. Established in 1981, the organization is dedicated to informing the news media, teachers, and other groups about the need for lab animals in medical and scientific research. The organization argues that promoting animal research leads to improved human and veterinary health.
Its founding president is Frankie Trull
Frankie Trull
Frankie Trull is an American science advocate and lobbyist. She is founder and president of the Foundation for Biomedical Research, a non-profit organization that educates the public about animal research in the quest for medical advancements, treatments and cures for both humans and animals...
.
Board of governors
Since October 2008, Dr. Hiram C. Polk Jr. has served as chairman of FBR's board of governors. Dr. Polk succeeds the late Dr. Michael E. DeBakeyMichael E. DeBakey
Michael Elias DeBakey was a world-renowned Lebanese-American cardiac surgeon, innovator, scientist, medical educator, and international medical statesman...
, who was FBR’s chairman for nearly 25 years.
Animal research
Some animal rightsAnimal rights
Animal rights, also known as animal liberation, is the idea that the most basic interests of non-human animals should be afforded the same consideration as the similar interests of human beings...
supporters believe that alternatives
Alternatives to animal testing
Many scientists and governments say that animal testing should cause as little suffering as possible, and some argue that alternatives to animal testing need to be developed...
exist for animal models in research; however the vast majority of scientists believe that no adequate alternatives exist, and that there is little realistic argument about the critical role that animal studies have played in medical progress.
According to the Foundation for Biomedical Research, animal research has been responsible for every medical breakthrough over the past century, although this position has been disputed by some animal rights activists and organizations. It cites animal research as leading to advances in antibiotics, blood transfusions, dialysis, organ transplantation, vaccinations, chemotherapy, bypass surgery, joint replacement, and methods for prevention, treatment, cure and control of disease, pain and suffering.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the total number of animals used in that country in 2005 was almost 1.2 million, excluding rats and mice. In the U.S., the numbers of rats and mice used is estimated at 20 million a year. Other rodents commonly used are guinea pigs, hamsters, and gerbils. Mice are the most commonly used vertebrate species because of their size, low cost, ease of handling, and fast reproduction rate. The Foundation advocates the highest quality of animal care and treatment, stating that the use of animals in research is a privilege, and that animals deserve our respect and the best possible care.
Activities
FBR publishes a subscriber-based daily news service called Total E-clips featuring biomedical research news, medical breakthroughs, political and legislative and activism news.
Since 1981, the FBR has monitored and analyzed the activities of animal rights organizations relating to researchers and institutions.