Lab mice face retirement

Moths, caterpillars and fruit flies could soon take the place of millions of mice used every year by scientists testing drugs, researchers said on Tuesday.

Biologists have discovered that certain key cells in mammals and insects react in the same way when attacked by infections and produce similar chemical reactions to fight them off.

The findings could mean up to 80 per cent of the mice used for testing new pharmaceutical compounds may no longer be needed, offering drug firms time and cost savings.