A new global online marketplace that allows researchers to sell unused animal samples to other labs is being launched. Called aRukon, the free platform was created by biomedical researcher Dr. Javier Burgos of Spain’s Jaume I University, who wants samples sitting unused in laboratories’ storage and freezers to be utilized by other researchers. In addition to reducing waste and costs, the program aims to reduce overall animal use in research. Scientists can sell a variety of animal samples—from fluids to whole organs—at a price of their choosing, but that price should be substantially less than the cost of purchasing a “new” animal, according to Burgos, to discourage profit. For a commission, aRukon will transport the sample to the buyer.
The platform will require sellers to attest that their samples were attained in compliance with their country’s animal welfare laws. Each sample will be accompanied by information about the animal from which it was taken (e.g., species, sex, age), the organ from which it was obtained, and the procedures performed on the animal.
As of March, scientists from 30 universities, research centers, and companies in Spain, and two outside of Spain, had already signed up.