• Català, valencià
  • English
  • Español

Asociación Defensa Derechos Animal Adda Ong

News

Cruel botox tests on mice continue despite available animal-free tests Week of action across Europe

The European Coalition to End Animal Experiments (ECEAE), represented in Spain by Ong ADDA is an alliance of leading European animal organisations. ECEAE will be holding a Week of Action across Europe from 13-19 July for the seventh year to protest against the continued use of mice in cruel poisoning tests for botulinum toxin, (commonly known as botox). Occasionally used for medical purposes, the bacterial poison is well-known for its cosmetic use to temporarily reduce facial lines and wrinkles. Although animal-free tests are available, solely in Europe estimated 400,000 mice per year are subjected to a cruel death by asphyxiation.

Each batch of botox is tested by the controversial LD50 (Lethal Dose) poisoning test with different dosages of botulinum toxin being injected in the abdomen of mice in order to find the dose, which kills half of the animals. This involves appalling suffering for the animals who suffocate slowly through muscle paralysis while fully conscious.

Continuous public protests have persuaded the manufacturers Allergan, Merz and Ipsen to use humane cell-based assays, replacing most of their animal tests. However, some tests of these companies are still conducted on mice. Other companies such as the Japanese company Eisai still use the cruel LD50 test for all their tests.

The ECEAE is calling upon Eisai to stop these cruel animal tests immediately, and upon Allergan, Merz and Ipsen to end 100% of their mouse tests. It is unacceptable that sentient animals are subjected to an agonizing death for a product widely used for cosmetic purposes despite non-animal alternatives being available.

We remind you that the postcard campaign focused on EISAI is still active. Click here to download postcards.