Oncodesign receives AAALAC certification for Dijon-based research center

Jul 18 2013

Oncodesign officially receives AAALAC's accreditation mark, in recognition of 18 years of consultation, investment and ethical commitment in the area of animal experimentation in cancer research

Oncodesign, a contract research laboratory for the discovery of new anticancer therapies, today announces that its Dijon-based research center has received AAALAC certification.

AAALAC, the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International, is an internationally recognized association for assessment and accreditation in the field of animal experimentation. AAALAC accreditation is a voluntary undertaking rather than a regulatory requirement. To date, more than 700 institutions in 29 countries have received this accreditation.

From the foundation of the company, Oncodesign has combined a rigorous scientific approach with leading-edge methods to deliver more valuable results, minimizing dependence on animal experimentation by developing in vitro biological models of cancer and non-invasive procedures. It also uses sophisticated in vivo imaging technologies (such as PET scanning, MRI, SPECT and ultrasound). These methods are used to study the impact of new treatments on tumor tissue and organs. Oncodesign makes use of experimental models that have been developed using tumor samples taken directly from patients. Continued investment in training research teams, new infrastructures and founding both an in-house ethics committee and a category A2 experimental research zone all demonstrate Oncodesign's focus on conducting high value-added research.

Oncodesign complies with all the applicable legislation, specifically the European Convention on animals used for experimental purposes (ETS 123) and the US Ministry of Agriculture's regulations relating to animal well-being (NRC 2011). This also applies to Oncodesign's external partners and research agencies.

“AAALAC accreditation is both an endorsement and a significant acknowledgment of Oncodesign's skills and expertise and the credibility of its scientific work,” said Philippe Genne, Ph.D., chairman, CEO and founder of Oncodesign. “AAALAC accreditation underlines the company's efforts to contribute to progressing research programs and improving experimental best practice on the international stage. By meeting the highest standards in the field, Oncodesign is able to provide an additional level of ethical and quality assurance, both of which play a major part in widening its target client base.”