Animals in research

We are committed to beating the heartbreak caused by heart and circulatory diseases and their risk factors, by funding research to prevent, treat and cure these conditions. As part of this life saving work, we fund science using cells grown in the lab, computer models, and human volunteers. But when these methods are not feasible, some of the research we fund involves animals.

Funding animal research is not a decision we take lightly. Our mission is to save and improve the lives of those affected by heart and circulatory diseases in the UK, and the many more across the world. Because our body chemistry is so similar, what we learn about the cells and tissues of animals can help us make life-changing discoveries and beat heart and circulatory diseases in humans.

To ensure we only fund animal research when absolutely necessary, we actively encourage our funded researchers to plan their studies so fewer animals are needed, and look for other possible research methods. If that's not possible, we require them to plan their studies so fewer animals are needed and apply the highest standards to animal welfare.

Strict regulations

The UK has some of the strictest laws in the world to regulate animal use. That’s why we insist that researchers use non-animal methods where possible. In fact, it is illegal to use animals if the research can be done without them.

Every single UK research study, and researcher, that uses animals must satisfy strict conditions before a licence will be granted by the Government. The premises where the animals live must also be licensed and have specialist vets and facilities to look after them. The Home Office also carries out hundreds of inspections every year, to ensure welfare standards are as high as possible

Being part of the solution

We are proud to have jointly funded PhD students with the National Centre for the 3Rs of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), to focus specifically on improving the replacement, reduction, and refinement of animal use in cardiovascular research. This work could lead to the development of effective scientific methods that don’t require animals.

The three Rs:

1. Replace: Use non-animal methods as much as possible

2. Reduce: Involve as few animals in research as possible

3. Refine: Design studies with the highest possible animal welfare

Life saving advances

BHF-funded research, some of which has involved animals, has led to life saving discoveries over the past 60 years.

A history of breakthroughs

• 1961: The BHF begins its fight against heart and circulatory disease.
• 1963: One of the BHF’s first grants goes to pacemaker research. The technology first developed with research involving animals, now helps millions.
• 1967: After several trials in animals, the first human heart transplant takes place in South Africa. The next year, BHF-funded surgeon Mr Donald Ross performed the UK’s first heart transplant.
• 1994: A huge BHF-backed trial of cholesterol-lowering statins begins. Its results led to widescale of the drug, which was first developed with research involving animals such as rabbits.
• 2010: Research in mice leads to the BHF co-funding a trial of a drug called irbesartan to help prevent fatal aneurysms in people with the genetic disease Marfan Syndrome. In 2018, the findings provided much-needed evidence for using irbesartan as an additional treatment for people with Marfan syndrome.
• 2011: Evidence from mouse and zebrafish research paves the way for a major BHF programme of regenerative medicine to find a cure for heart failure.
• 2016: Studies in mice demonstrate the potential of modified immune cells – called Tregs – to help limit transplant rejection. Further studies, part-funded by the BHF, led to the creation of a company which aims to develop Treg cell therapies to advance treatments for conditions such as organ rejection, and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
• 2020: BHF-funded researchers revealed their work testing a new artificial replacement heart valve – called the PoliValve – in sheep. The PoliValve is designed to closely resemble a natural heart valve, combines strength with flexibility, and its use would not require blood-thinning drugs.

But, for all the progress we've made, there is much left to do. We need more research to develop new treatments and help people live longer happier lives.

For more information please see our Animal and Heart Research leaflet or contact us.