Research conducted under the National Institutes of Health (NIH) intramural program has been the focus of PETA’s campaign over the past several months. The campaign mirrors tactics PETA has used elsewhere to generate media attention, fundraising, and emails or phone calls to the NIH. In addition to newspaper, bus and subway ads, the campaign recently culminated in a congressional request for the NIH to provide a review of the research.

The American Psychological Association (APA) responded on January 22 a strong expression of support For the scientist and research under attack by PETA.

APA’s letter to members of Congress reads in its entirety as follows:

“In December 2014, you were one of four members of Congress who sent a letter to Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), requesting that his office conduct a bioethical review of the world-renowned research program. researcher, Dr. Stephen J. Suomi. I am writing on behalf of the American Psychological Association and its Committee on Animal Research and Ethics to provide a broader scientific perspective on this study. As you probably know, the request you received was part of an ongoing and highly publicized campaign against Dr. Suomen’s laboratory by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in support of its mission to end research on non-human animals.

Your letter stated that prominent experts have expressed concern about the scientific and ethical basis of these experiments. We believe that the facts do not support PETA’s public statements about this research. During the last three decades, Dr. Suomi and his collaborators have significantly contributed to the understanding of the health and behavior of humans and other animals. Dr. Suomen’s work has been critical in understanding how interactions between genes and the physical and social environment affect individual development, which in turn has increased our understanding of mental health issues such as depression, addiction, and autism, and their treatments.

Dr. Suomi and colleagues found that even human monkeys have similar gene variants that make the individual more susceptible to mood and personality disorders; however, genetics interact with experiences in determining such disorders, and mother-infant dynamics in particular have a major impact on later development. Dr. Suomi has successfully produced monkey models of depression and excessive alcohol use, and his research provides insight into treatments. In her neonatal imitation work, Dr. Suomi discovered potential early signs of atypical social development in monkeys, which has influenced the search for screening methods and treatments for autism in human children. In addition, Dr. Suomen’s research has had a huge impact on the welfare standards of non-human animals in captivity, as he has worked on the development of caregiver attachment behavior, which is crucial for the survival of both humans and other animals.

The special study The study targeted by PETA was designed to examine the long-term effects of fluoxetine (Prozac) in children. Because drugs are usually only tested on adults, the effects of this commonly prescribed antidepressant on children are unknown. Thus, in response to the enormous concern of parents, doctors, and others concerned with child and adolescent health about the safety of this drug for children, Dr. Suomi and his colleagues began a study in infant monkeys to determine the effects of fluoxetine on children. . Contrary to PETA’s repeated claims that animal research has not improved human health and that modern non-animal research methods are more effective, there are in fact no viable non-animal alternatives for identifying and treating the causes of disorders affecting the brain. and behavior. Research on many different non-human animal species has been and still is an integral part of basic and applied health research.

Laboratory animal models generally provide the most scientifically rigorous ways to study normal and abnormal behaviors in order to better understand their underlying mechanisms and to correct disorders. Monkeys are an ideal model for Dr. Suomen’s work because they share about 93% of human DNA, live in social groups with similar mother-infant dynamics to humans, and develop faster than humans. In addition, in Dr. Suomen’s research, monkeys are treated humanely, in accordance with the strict guidelines of the Animal Protection Act and under the supervision of several entities, such as NIH’s Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, International (AAALAC) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees. And considering that Dr. Suomi is an intramural researcher at the NIH, you can be sure that his research animals receive first-class care.

I understand that sometimes it can be difficult to weigh the qualifications and different conclusions of “dueling experts”, but I can assure you that Dr. Suomi is a respected member of the APA and the scientific community of psychology, as well as a highly sought after expert in pediatrics. In addition to providing information to the US Congress, Dr. Suomi has testified at the World Health Organization and spoken to the British House of Commons about the impact of his scientific research.

APA strongly supports humanely conducted, ethically sound, and scientifically valid research involving non-human animals because it is convinced that research on other animals is an essential part of basic and applied health research. For nearly 100 years, APA, through its Committee on Animal Research and Ethics, has promoted informed, serious, and civil dialogue about the role of nonhuman animal research in science. If you are asked to take further action against Dr. Suome, I hope you will consider additional information before making a decision. My staff is ready to provide you with additional information, including bringing together experts for a staff briefing or otherwise to assist you in this matter.”

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The full statement can be found here: APA Finland letter 01.22.15