Homeopathy 2016; 105(04): 357
DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2016.09.003
Letter to the Editor
Copyright © The Faculty of Homeopathy 2016

Reply to ”The publication in Homeopathy of studies involving animal experimentation“ [Homeopathy 105/3 (2016) 211-216]

Delny Britton

Subject Editor:
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
22 December 2017 (online)

It is good, at last, to see Homeopathy update its publication policy with respect to animal experimentation by requiring all authors – regardless of nationality – to adhere to EU Directive 2010/63.

As explained in the editorial this legislation is based on the 3Rs, a concept introduced over half a century ago, which requires researchers to refine, reduce or replace animals in scientific experiments wherever possible. The Directive goes far beyond this, however, and while one of its key requirements (the harm/benefit test) is discussed in the editorial, no mention is made of the other: the alternatives test. It is not referred to in Homeopathy's revised Guide to Authors either. This is a serious omission. The alternatives test and the harm/benefit test are cumulative – both must be satisfied before authorisation to experiment on animals may be granted.

The alternatives test is particularly important in the context of homeopathy research, which involves the use of medicines not considered to present any safety concerns. There is nothing in the Declaration of Helsinki that would preclude giving homeopathic medicines to informed and consenting human volunteers or patients in a trial. Furthermore Articles 4(1) and 13(1) discuss testing strategies not involving animals, not simply non-animal methods. These may involve, for example, the analysis of existing data in order to achieve a scientific objective.

Any measures taken to reduce the burden of animal suffering are to be commended. For the sake of clarity, however, and to fully achieve your stated aims, the revised Guide to Authors should be revised again to better reflect the requirements of the Directive and Homeopathy's commitment to raising the ethical bar in homeopathy research.