Animal studies are a useful way of modelling what happens in the human body, so they are central to the development of new medicines and cures, and to understanding human diseases.
But animal studies are never a direct substitute for tests with human participants. The difference between how an animal model and a human react to a treatment or substance may be subtle or substantial, depending on what the treatment is, and what kind of animal is being used.
Treat any claims that are based only on animal research with caution. Certainly no medicine that has only been tested on animals could be said to definitely work or be safe in humans.
Visit Understanding Animal Research to learn more about animal studies.
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