TITLE:
The Ethical Implications for Humans in Light of the Poor Predictive Value of Animal Models
AUTHORS:
Ray Greek
KEYWORDS:
Animal Model, Biological Complex System, Evolution, Predictive Value, Trans-Species Modeling Theory
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Clinical Medicine,
Vol.5 No.16,
August
21,
2014
ABSTRACT: The notion that animals
could be used as predictive models in science has been influenced by relatively
recent developments in the fields of complexity science, evolutionary and
developmental biology, genetics, and evolutionary biology in general. Combined
with empirical evidence, which has led scientists in drug development to
acknowledge that a new, nonanimal model is needed, a theory—not a hypothesis—has
been formed to explain why animals function well as models for humans at lower
levels of organization but are unable to predict outcomes at higher levels of organization.
Trans-Species Modeling Theory (TSMT) places the empirical evidence in the
context of a scientific theory and thus, from a scientific perspective, the
issue of where animals can and cannot be used in science has arguably been
settled. Yet, some in various areas of science or science-related fields
continue to demand that more evidence be offered before the use of animal
models in medical research and testing be abandoned on scientific grounds. In
this article, I examine TSMT, the empirical evidence surrounding the use of
animal models, and the opinions of experts. I contrast these facts with the
opinions and positions of those that have a direct or indirect vested interest—financial
or otherwise—in animal models. I then discuss the ethical implications regarding
research constructed to find cures and treatments for humans.