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While the regulatory for framework research with gene-edited animals varies across different jurisdictions, in the EU, all experimental research with animals, including those that are genetically modified, is governed by the Directive 2010/63/EU  for the protection of animals in science.

From animals to humans

Even when gene editing in animals is not intended as animal modelling for later applications in humans, the possibility of future applications in humans must also be considered. This means that, aside from assessment of the impacts of the research upon the animals themselves, researchers and ethics reviewers need to keep in mind that once the technology has been tested in animals, it might also be applied in humans.