The Scripps Research Institute is the largest private research institution in the United States, and is a major recipient of research grants from the National Institutes of Health (Scripps received over $200 million from the NIH in 2004).

According to USDA records, The Scripps Research Institute used 844 animals - rabbits, monkeys, guinea pigs, hamsters and cats - in experiments in 2002 (the most recent year from which information is available). This number does not include thousands of mice and rats in Scripps labs, animals who are not provided even minimal protection under federal regulations. (Scripps does not report its use of mice and rats to the USDA.)

Scripps scientists have conducted risky experiments in xenotransplantation (transfer of organs or tissues from one species to another), and in using toxins such as anthrax and botulism. Scripps scientists have spent millions of dollars addicting animals to nicotine, cocaine, morphine and other drugs. Scripps scientists have also conducted experiments on chimpanzees, research that would not be allowed in much of the world.

Scripps scientists regularly create genetically modified or “transgenic” mice to mimic human diseases (such as schizophrenia or Alzheimer's), by inserting or deleting genes, or experimentally transferred genes into mice from another organism. Click here to learn more about genetic engineering.

Current Scripps Research Institute projects in California include a study of the effects of repeated exposure to the drug MDMA (“ecstasy”) in monkeys, research into a vaccine for the Lassa virus, using monkeys, guinea pigs and mice, and a study of how the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) affects memory, learning, and physical performance of rhesus monkeys, in the hopes that it will lead to insights into HIV infected humans.

Animal research by Scripps scientists has already begun in Palm Beach County. Several scientists now working for Scripps in Florida have conducted objectionable animal research. One scientist now working for Scripps in Florida conducted a bizarre study of stress in which pregnant monkeys were “startled” by 115db horn blasts. Another researcher now in Florida infected dozens of monkeys and hundreds of mice with mad cow disease, and observed their suffering for months.

The justification for cruel projects like these is usually a promise of scientific discovery. Scripps has enticed the public with hopes of cures to diseases such as AIDS, cancer and diabetes.

The reality is that creating disease in healthy animals is an unreliable way to study human diseases. Because of biological differences between species, animal research yields results that cannot be safely applied to humans.

Animal rights advocates are not anti-science. We believe animals have the right to not be exploited as experimental subjects, but we are also convinced that animal research harms humans by diverting research dollars that should be going to proven methods of curing disease. An increasing number of doctors and scientists are voicing their opposition to animal research based on scientific reasons.

Innovative non-animal research methods such as human clinical and in vitro (test tube) research, cell and tissue cultures, epidemiology, and genetic research are more effective methods of studying disease and to test the effectiveness and toxicity of drugs.

But there is good news! Many of Scripps' scientists are skilled at the use of sophisticated computer modeling in studying disease, and Scripps Florida’s research programs will include genomics (the study of an organism's genetic makeup and the use of the genes) and other areas of scientific research that usually do not involve the use of live animals. This research is the way of the future, and we hope this is where Scripps will focus its efforts.

completed in 1994 that “discovered” a substance in the brains of sleep-deprived cats. In his study, cats were placed on a treadmill for 22 hours, and then fluid was drawn from holes drilled in their skulls.

Lerner is also well known for his connections with the tobacco industry, as a researcher, advisor and paid consultant. A Philip Morris executive has referred to Richard Lerner as “a good friend of the company.”

Click here to learn more about Richard Lerner.

Learn more about research at Scripps; click on the scientists below to learn about their research:

Corinne Lasmezas
(Florida)

Teresa Reyes
(Florida)

Francis Chisari
(California)

Athina Markou
(California)