Responsible Research and Animal Welfare
Our Commitment
CorDynamics supports the development of safer and more effective medicines through specialized cardiovascular research. We recognize that the use of animals carries significant ethical responsibilities. Respect for animal welfare is fundamental to our work and our commitment to scientific quality.
CorDynamics operates in a facility with an AAALAC International–accredited animal care and use program. Our practices meet or exceed applicable animal-care and welfare requirements, standards, and guidelines.
Choosing the Appropriate Research Approach
Our approach begins with the scientific question and the methods best suited to answer it. We support the use of scientifically appropriate non-animal approaches whenever they can reliably provide the information needed.
Some cardiovascular questions involve complex interactions among heart rhythm, cardiac function, blood pressure, nervous-system responses, and drug exposure. These interactions cannot always be adequately evaluated using non-animal methods alone. When animal studies are needed, their use must be scientifically justified, with the model, measurements, and study design selected to address clearly defined objectives.
Relevance to Human and Veterinary Medicine
Cardiovascular disease affects both people and animals. Several medicines used in human cardiovascular care also help veterinarians manage heart disease and rhythm disorders in companion animals. Research into cardiovascular function, disease mechanisms, and drug responses can therefore inform both human and veterinary medicine. Although findings require careful evaluation for each species and clinical setting, this shared knowledge creates opportunities to improve care for both.
Our Commitment to the 3Rs
We support the principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement:
- Replacement: Use scientifically appropriate non-animal methods whenever they can answer the research question.
- Reduction: Design studies to generate reliable, meaningful results while avoiding unnecessary animal use.
- Refinement: Continually improve animal care, handling, and research procedures to minimize distress and support animal well-being.
Advancing Research Methods
CorDynamics continually explores new approach methodologies (NAMs), including advances in human-cell–based models and computational approaches, for their potential to improve cardiovascular research and reduce reliance on animal studies.
We consider these approaches in relation to the specific scientific questions they can address, the reliability of the information they provide, and opportunities to incorporate them into research programs. We support replacing animal studies where scientifically appropriate and using complementary methods to reduce animal use and improve study design.
Responsible Care and Oversight
Our research is supported by veterinarians board-certified in laboratory animal medicine, certified veterinary technicians, and trained research and animal-care personnel.
Scientific and ethical review, veterinary oversight, careful monitoring, and predefined humane endpoints guide our work. Animal welfare is fundamental to our mission of advancing cardiovascular medicine.
