ABOUT GALAS

For almost two decades comparative analysis of toxicological data from 2 year rodent bioassys has been compromised by the lack of a truly standardized outbred rodent model. Over time, genetic drift caused body weights to increase and survival rates to decrease in commonly used stocks. Comparisons between regulatory agencies were confounded by the lack of a single stock which was readily available in most countries and produced under uniform conditions. This lack of a consistent rodent model has resulted in delayed approval of new drugs, inefficient use of animals and increased difficulty in performing risk analysis based on rodent bioassay data.

To promote the development of international standards for the production and monitoring of outbred stocks used in Toxicological studies, CLEA JAPAN, Inc., Taconic Farms, Inc. and Taconic Europe formed GALAS, The Global Alliance for Laboratory Animal Standardization. By drawing on the experience of these breeders and their customers, GALAS has formulated international standards which will be adhered to by each member for the production and distribution of the GALAS animals.

The Wistar Hannover rat is the first animal available from GALAS members. This animal model has proven to be well suited for 2-year carcinogenicity studies.  GALAS will continue to develop internationally standardized animal models for the research community.

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