Firm picketed for animal research

Animal rights activists demonstrated outside a Pasadena scientific laboratory Monday, decrying the use of Rhesus monkeys in experiments meant to limit the impact of nuclear radiation on humans. Roughly 20 members of Stop Animal Exploitation Now picketed in front of ChromoLogic at 180 N. Vinedo Ave.

Julia MacKenzie, West Coast coordinator for SAEN, said the group wants to stop the lethal impact of the research on the monkeys. She alleged that the use of the animals is not necessary in developing a method of quickly analyzing whether people have been exposed to toxic levels of radiation in the wake of a nuclear incident.

ChromoLogic Chief Executive Naresh Menon, said in a prepared statement that the research, which is taking place in Canada, is performed in line with protocols including the U.S. Public Health Service’s Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

“For over 50 years, limited testing in animals has been employed as the only safe, humane, scientific and ethical method available for demonstrating the safety and efficacy of therapeutics and diagnostics related to radiation exposure in humans,” The statement read. “ChromoLogic has and continues to explore methods for validating our technology that do not involve animal testing”

MacKenzie said the company has not responded to SAEN’s requests to stop the testing, and that her organization is considering further action.

-- Bill Kisliuk, Times Community News

Photo: Josh Gutier holds two signs to protest with a group of protestors who gathered outside ChromoLogic in Pasadena to protest the usage of animals for experimentation, particularly rhesus macaque monkeys, in Pasadena on Monday, December 5, 2011. This ChromoLogic location does not conduct animal research. Credit: Tim Berger/Staff Photographer.