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. 2017;2(3):352-365.
doi: 10.20411/pai.v2i3.186. Epub 2017 Aug 23.

THE CRITICAL ROLE OF NONHUMAN PRIMATES IN MEDICAL RESEARCH

Affiliations

THE CRITICAL ROLE OF NONHUMAN PRIMATES IN MEDICAL RESEARCH

Henry Friedman et al. Pathog Immun. 2017.

Abstract

The sponsors of this report endorse carefully regulated research with nonhuman primates. This research is essential to learning about the biology, treatment and prevention of diseases and conditions that cause human suffering.

Keywords: HIV; Nonhuman primates; brain function; cancer; ethics; research.

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Conflict of interest statement

This article was originally published as a report by the Foundation for Biomedical Research. It was sponsored by the following organizations that support carefully regulated research with nonhuman primates: American Academy of Neurology, American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, American Physiological Society, American Society for Microbiology, American Transplant Foundation, Endocrine Society, Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, and Society for Neuroscience. Wisconsin National Primate Research Center is funded by NIH grant P51OD011106. The Oregon National Primate Research Center is funded by NIH grant P51OD011092.

Figures

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NONHUMAN PRIMATES USED IN MEDICAL RESEARCH
The NHPs used in medical research are mainly macaques, a type of monkey that includes 23 species mostly found in Africa. Both are relatively small NHPs. Macaques generally weigh between 8 and 26 pounds with baboons slightly larger depending on the exact species. Great apes, such as chimpanzees, are no longer used in U.S. medical research.
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Several years ago, this young woman was diagnosed with a deadly brain tumor the size of a tennis ball. When conventional treatment didn't work her doctors suggested a new treatment developed with primate research. She agreed. Today, she's cancer free. PHOTO BY SHAWN ROCCO, FOR DUKE HEALTH NEWS AND COMMUNICATIONS
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Lab Animals by Species The number of nonhuman primates used in research is less than 1%. But its impact on human health is enormous.
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