FOI_25-159 Licences for Sepsis research using animals

Date of response: 06 June 2025

We have now considered your request of 23 May 2025 for the following information:

I am writing to make a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000 for the disclosure of information relating to the use of animals under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

In particular, I am interested in programs of work relating to sepsis, in which animals are deliberately induced to suffer from sepsis. For example, this may include the induction of sepsis via cecal/caecal ligation and puncture, administration of lipopolysaccharide, toxins or bacteria, colon ascendens stent peritonitis or other methods not stated. Please provide:

Question 1. The number of currently held project licences and licence applications in progress, pertaining to sepsis research as described above.

Our response:

Zero.

Question 2. Copies of the Home Office project licence(s) relating to sepsis research conducted at your institute for the period of 23 May 2020 to the current date.

a. Please include the project protocols (including information on the methods pertaining to sepsis research) and information relating to the 3Rs (replacement, refinement and reduction).

b. Information on the duration of active project licence(s), including the expiry date.

c. Details on the number and species of animals used as part of the active project licence(s).

Our response:

Not applicable, see response to question 1.

Question 3. Photographs and/or video footage of the methods performed to induce or study sepsis as part of the above projects.

Our response:

Not applicable, see response to question 1.

Question 4. A copy of all written materials relating to the above licence(s) produced by and for the university's Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB), including minutes from relevant AWERB meetings and non-technical summaries.

Our response:

Not applicable, see response to question 1.

Question 5. Where applicable, a copy of any retrospective review of procedures described in the project licence(s) (or any part of it) that has been conducted.

Our response:

Not applicable, see response to question 1.