Responsible Research

Our biomedical principles are part of our strict corporate policies. They focus on responsible pharmaceutical research, including safeguarding volunteers and patients who participate in clinical trials.

We adhere to our strict principles and policies—even when local law stipulates a less robust approach. AbbVie has high standards of quality, safety and transparency at all stages, in all countries where we conduct trials. Read more about our clinical trials, post-marketing commitments, access to investigational drugs and transparency policy.

We recognize that high-quality science and humane animal care are inseparable. That’s why we’re devoted to ensuring the humane care and use of laboratory animals in our research and development programs. AbbVie’s laboratory animal research programs and facilities meet and consistently exceed U.S. and EU regulations, as well as those in other countries, as applicable. AbbVie voluntarily sought and maintains accreditation from AAALAC for all animal programs. For outsourced studies, we preferentially work with contract laboratories accredited by AAALAC and/or we perform welfare assessments to ensure they meet our high standards for animal care and use. Since 2001, AbbVie has partnered with several agencies on a dog adoption program for retired research dogs.

While animal testing remains part of advancing health care research, AbbVie works to minimize the number of tests by using new methods and programs that minimize the need for animal participation. We are committed to internationally accepted standard of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement). The AbbVie Alternatives Committee leads this effort and its annual internal awards promote significant contribution to improving welfare of laboratory animals. AbbVie’s Global Animal Welfare Committee guides our policies on animal use, and our Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees serve as review boards to independently evaluate and approve scientific protocols. Non-affiliated members from the community comprise 20% of this committee to represent the public view.