BIO Statement on NYSE Response  to Animal Rights Extremists

WASHINGTON, D.C. September 9, 2005) — The Hon. James C. Greenwood, president and CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), released the following statement regarding the recent decision to postpone the listing of Life Sciences Research (Huntingdon Life Science) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE):   

“I am dismayed that biomedical research has taken a backseat to the pressure tactics of animal rights extremists.   Ethical animal research has played a vital role in virtually every major medical advance of the last century – for both human and animal health.  This research is invaluable in the development of life-extending treatments for people, as wells as cats, dogs, farm animals, wildlife and endangered species. 

“The ability to conduct humane and responsible animal-based research must be preserved to help conquer disease, alleviate suffering, and improve the quality of life.  Biotechnology companies have depended on this research to develop more than 200 drugs and vaccines approved by FDA, helping 325 million people worldwide and preventing incalculable human suffering. 

 “As a society, we cannot allow the minority view of extremists to hold us hostage to improving the lives of humanity.  In Senate testimony this year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) stated that animal rights extremists are recognized as the nation's top domestic terrorism threat.  These groups have committed more than 1,100 criminal acts in the United States since 1976, resulting in damages conservatively estimated at approximately $110 million.”

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.

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Note to Editors:  More information on the use of animals for biomedical research is available at www.nabr.org the National Association for Biomedical Research.