• Section 1 - Introduction
• Section 2 - S4 Drugs
• Section 3 - S8 Drugs

Section 1 - Introduction

(1) The use of restricted substances (Schedule 4 “S4" drugs) and drugs of addiction (Schedule 8 "S8" drugs) in animals used for research and teaching purposes is controlled under the following legislation:

1. Animal Research Act 1985 No 123
2. Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966 No 31
3. Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2008
4. Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985

(2) Additionally, the Animal Research Review Panel, the statutory body under the Animal Research Act, has issued the following policy: The use of restricted drugs and the conduct of restricted acts of veterinary science in animal research (ARRP policy 14, revised 27 February 2014).

(3) The Associate Director, Research Infrastructure holds a Licence to supply restricted substances and drugs of addiction.

Section 2 - S4 Drugs

(4) Researchers can use S4 drugs for animals in approved projects provided that:

1. the Animal Care and Ethics Committee has approved the use of the drug in that project;
2. the drug is ordered with the authority of the Associate Director, Research Infrastructure. Such an order must be in writing and include the name of the Chief Investigator and the Animal Ethics Approval Number; and
3. additional guidelines established by the Animal Research Review Panel (ARRP Policy on the Use of Restricted Drugs in Animal Research) are followed.

Section 3 - S8 Drugs

(5) Researchers can use S8 drugs for animals in approved projects provided that:

1. the Animal Care and Ethics Committee has approved the use of the drug in that project;
2. A licence issued by NSW Health is held;
3. the drug is handled and held as required by the New South Wales Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966, and its Regulation 2008;
4. the drug is ordered with the authority of the Associate Director, Research Infrastructure. Such an order must be in writing, and include the name of the Chief Investigator, the Animal Ethics Approval Number, and the NSW Health licence number. The initial order should be accompanied by a copy of the licence from NSW Health; and
5. additional guidelines established by the Animal Research Review Panel (ARRP Policy on the Use of Restricted Drugs in Animal Research) are followed.