In descriptions of the Swedish system for the control of animal experiments, it is often implied that the system guarantees that the animals are not subjected to unnecessary suffering and that available alternative methods are used. A study was carried out to examine applications for the use of the ascites method for monoclonal antibody production during 1995 and 1996. The data show that approval was given to all the applications received, with scanty justification. Thus, public reassurance that the Swedish system prevents the unnecessary use of animals is undermined by these findings.
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MarxU., EmbletonM.J., FischerR., GruberF., HanssonU., HeuerJ., de LeeuwW.A., LogtenbergT., MerzW., PortetelleD., RometteJ-L., & StraughanD. (1997). Monoclonal antibody production. The report and recommendations of ECVAM workshop 23.ATLA25, 121–137.