PETA Science Group Shares Goals With New FDA Commissioner

PETA scientist Jeffrey Brown of PETA Science Consortium International e.V. released a statement on Feb. 17, 2022 regarding new FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf. The Science Consortium asked Califf in a letter to aid in steering the agency toward the use of animal-free science in place of requiring animal testing for new medical treatments. Califf expressed support for a shift toward the use of animal-free testing during his confirmation hearings.

“During your confirmation hearings, we appreciated your support for shifting toward the use of non-animal methods to enable more efficient pre-clinical development and evaluation of new drugs and devices,” Brown stated in the letter to Califf. “A reaffirmed commitment to demonstrate the FDA’s support of modern approaches to safety and efficacy assessment without the use of animals will generate a more human-relevant understanding of toxicity and efficacy while expediting the availability of treatments to patients.”

The organization highlighted its hope that Califf will support the FDA Modernization Act, which would change the FDA’s rules that require deadly tests on animals, including mice, dogs, and monkeys. The organization also believes Califf’s previous experience as FDA commissioner will benefit the advancement of animal-free science and testing.