SMC Laboratories is working to contribute to the health and prosperity of humankind by supporting drug development worldwide. Animal experiments are indispensable for the research and development of pharmaceuticals, and we are working to improve animal welfare based on the recognition that animals are living creatures.

When handling experimental animals, we have established "Animal Experiment Regulations" that comply with the following animal welfare-related Japanese laws and regulations, and strive to use them properly based on the principles of the 3Rs.
*Refinement: Relief of pain, Replacement: Use of alternative methods, Reduction: Reduction of animal usage

Animal welfare related regulations

We carry out animal experiments in compliance with the applicable Japanese laws and regulations as follows.

1. Act on Welfare and Management of Animals
     (Ministry of the Environment, Act No. 105 of October 1, 1973)

2. Standards Relating to the Care and Management of Laboratory Animals and Relief of Pain
   (Notice No.88 of the Ministry of the Environment, April 28, 2006)

3. Basic guidelines for the conduct of animal experiments in implementing agencies under the jurisdiction of the ministry of health, labor and welfare
   (Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, June 1, 2006)

4. The basic policy on measures that should be implemented with regard to the welfare and management of animals
   (Ministry of the Environment, 2006)

5. Standards relating to the Methods of Destruction of Animals
    (Notice of the Ministry of the Environment, November 12, 2007)

6. Guidelines for Proper Conduct of Animal Experiments
     (Science Council of Japan, June 1, 2006)

7. Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals; Eighth Edition
   （National Research Council, 2011）

The principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement)

We are working to improve animal welfare by preparing and implementing appropriate animal experiment plans based on the 3Rs principle.

1. Refinement; use of methods that alleviate or minimize potential pain
   Pain relief, euthanasia, improvement of breeding einvironment, etc

2. Replacement; methods which avoid or replace the use of animals in experiments
   In vitro tests as alternatives, elimination of duplicate experiments, etc.

3. Reduction; reduce the number of animals used as much as possible
   Reduce the number of animals used, use the minimum number of animals scientifically required, etc.