DONNA CLEMONS, DVM, MS, DACLAM
IQ 3Rs (now IQ 3Rs Translational and Predictive Sciences) Leadership Groups (3Rs TPS LG) Chair (2015-2016)
IQ 3Rs TPS LG Member (2012-Present)
Global Director Comparative Medicine, AbbVie
DVM, Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia
DESCRIBE YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN THE IQ CONSORTIUM
I joined the 3Rs Translational and Predictive Sciences Leadership Group (3Rs TPS LG) around 10 years ago. I was new in my position and to the pharmaceutical industry, but I had experience in the issues of research animal care and use, ethics, and compliance. I've been part of working groups, initiated and led working groups, and had the opportunity to be part of the steering committee and a chairperson of the 3Rs TPS LG.
HOW HAVE YOUR COMPANY AND COLLEAGUES BENEFITTED FROM IQ ENGAGEMENT?
It's hard to overstate the value of working with colleagues who share the same experiences at their companies and partnering to address our mutual challenges. It broadens one's perspective of the industry, provides support, expands our knowledge, and inspires us to tackle the hard issues and make real progress. The interactions with other leadership groups is also valuable in gaining insight on their work and how we intersect. Also, the presentations given at our convened consortium meeting are incredibly educational and informative about the field where we work.
WHAT ARE SOME INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES FOR WHICH THE IQ CONSORTIUM IS IDEALLY SITUATED TO LEAD?
It's critically important that the pharmaceutical industry find a path to engage on the issue of animal-based research. There are constant challenges eroding our ability to perform animal studies coming from multiple directions - regulation, public opinion, supply/logistics disruptions, etc. The collective expertise of the consortium is ideally suited to take clear and supportive scientific positions advocating for the benefits to human and animal health that come from appropriate and ethical animal research, and to promote our efforts to move toward a future when animals are no longer necessary for medical advancements.