The responsible use of animals is essential for the research and production of medicines and vaccines. Our global research and analytical control strategy combines use of animals with non-animal methods, use of patient data, and clinical research.
An Animal Ethics Advisory Committee determines guidelines and positions adopted by Sanofi on animal use and care, and ensures they are compatible with international recommendations.
In line with our principles on animal protection, we are committed to developing alternative approaches and subscribe fully to the “3Rs” (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) principle on the use of animals in research and production. We use animals only when a non-animal method is unsuited for the required use or not accepted by authorities (replacement), with the smallest number of animals necessary for good science (reduction); and we use advanced methods to prevent any suffering or distress related to their housing and procedure conditions (refinement). Sanofi authorizes animal use only when the regulatory and scientific merit is established, and under strict ethical oversight.
Our key animal protection principles are embedded in our Code of Conduct. We apply the same principles to subcontractors and breeders: their animal welfare program is assessed by our professionals to ensure consistency of animal care considerations across geographies.
Sanofi is one of the signatories of the Marseille Declaration on the worldwide implementation of high standards for animals housed and used internally and externally by the industry for scientific purposes, aiming at extending and accelerating the global and consistent implementation of the highest standards for the care and use of laboratory animals.
In support of our animal protection strategy, several priorities have been defined and progresses are monitored on a regular basis:
- To develop and support pathways to ensure the success of the “Integrated Research and Testing Strategy” and ultimately reduce the reliance on the use of animals;
- To maintain the highest animal care and use standards beyond regulatory inspections and through accreditation, and to foster a culture of care;
- To monitor the compliance of third parties (breeders, contract research organizations, scientific collaborations);
- To contribute to regulatory debates, in relationship with animal protection rules on one side and with regulatory acceptance of non-animal methods on the other side;
- To address societal concerns and to strengthen ethical considerations about the use of animals for scientific purposes;
- To improve communication regarding animal use and to initiate a culture of openness.
Sanofi’s objective is to reduce the number of animals used in-house and externally by 50%, between 2020 and 2030.
Our Performance in 2025
Sanofi sites with AAALAC International accreditation
In 2025, based on internal use of animals, 46% of the animals used were used by the Manufacturing and Supply unit to support batch release activities that aim to ensure the safety and efficacy of commercialized vaccines and drugs. By comparison, the relative share of animals used for research and development was nearly 54% for the purposes of supporting a better understanding of diseases and a better assessment of the safety and efficacy of new drugs and vaccine candidates.
The site without AAALAC International accreditation is regularly assessed as part of our external partners assessment program, and is compliant with our animal protection principles (i.e. equivalent to AAALAC International standards).
External partner assessments
External partners are mainly assessed before their initial engagement. They are then routinely assessed every three years for animal studies and every four years for animal supply.
Reducing animal use
Under our integrated research and testing strategy, we seek to reduce our reliance on animal use at a global level, with the contribution of each global function and business unit.