About ICAPPP

The International Council on Animal Protection in Pharmaceutical Programs (ICAPPP) was formally created in 2005 as a sister coalition to ICAPO and has the same members. Its main objective is to promote animal protection in pharmaceutical testing guidelines developed by the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) and the International Cooperation on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Veterinary Medicinal Products (VICH).

The ICH and VICH are tripartite (USA, Europe and Japan) international harmonisation bodies in the area of human and veterinary medicines, respectively. Their mission is to achieve global harmonisation of data requirements necessary for the registration and marketing of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals. Global harmonisation is important as it leads to the prevention of duplicative studies, including unnecessary animal tests, and quickens patient access to pharmaceutical products without compromising safety and effectiveness. Harmonisation is achieved through the development of guidelines via a process of scientific consensus with regulatory and industry experts across different regions. It is then up to the regulators to implement the final ICH guidelines in their respective regions.

ICAPPP’s members are key animal protection organisations in North America, Europe and Asia, which mirrors the international membership of ICH and VICH. Collectively, we directly represent the views of over 30 million members of the public concerned about the use of animals in regulatory testing. Whilst our members are opposed to animal testing, we work positively and constructively with regulatory bodies and industry to ensure that the principles of the 3Rs are applied. In effect, we seek to ensure that new and revised guidelines represent the best science available and reduce, replace and refine animal tests as much as possible.

Unfortunately, neither the ICH nor VICH recognise stakeholders outside of regulatory or industry in a formal capacity. However, we are able to contribute to harmonisation activities by:

• Commenting on draft guidelines and work plans
• Attending regional update meetings

Our members also participate in meetings and comment on regional guidelines in their respective regions.