Replimune Group, Inc.

Replimune Group is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing oncolytic immunotherapies for cancer. Its lead product candidate, RP1, is a genetically modified herpes simplex virus designed to kill tumor cells. The development of such biologics requires preclinical and clinical testing that involves animal models. As a company whose core research and development pipeline is built on novel biological agents, Replimune's operations inherently involve animal testing to satisfy regulatory requirements for safety and efficacy. This places its business model within the animal exploitation exclusion category, as the use of animals in research constitutes commercial exploitation not covered by more specific codes like animal testing for cosmetics or consumer goods. The recent FDA Complete Response Letter for RP1, citing trial design concerns, indicates the company remains in a development phase where animal data continues to be material to its regulatory pathway.