“For decades, mice have been the species of choice in the study of human diseases. But now, researchers report evidence that the mouse model has been totally misleading for at least three major killers – sepsis, burns and trauma. As a result, years and billions of dollars have been wasted following false leads, they say.”
“They are so ingrained in trying to cure mice that they forget we are trying to cure humans.”
“It argues strongly – go to the patients. Get their cells. Get their tissues whenever you can.”
In an editorial entitled: “Of men, not mice”, the journal Nature Medicine commented:
“Although the message that mice are an imperfect model for human disease is far from new, these recent results should prompt some soul-searching among disease researchers… Rather than overrelying on animal models to understand what happens in humans, isn’t it time to embrace the human ‘model’ to move forward?”
