The Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) houses approximately 5,000 non-human primates, such as rhesus macaques, Japanese macaques, and Javan macaques (Cynomolgus). They are kept in breeding colonies for research purposes. Animal rights activists had hoped for a complete closure, an immediate breeding ban, and the conversion of the facility into a sanctuary for all the monkeys remaining there. Now things are turning out differently.

Non-human primates in the wilderness.
Photo: Balouriarajesh, Pixabay.

Step-by-step reduction of primate experiments
Yesterday, the Board of Directors of Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), which owns the ONPRC, unanimously decided to direct the university’s president to develop a plan that would “significantly” reduce the number of monkeys at the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), reorient the facility’s focus toward animal-free models, and potentially end the supply of laboratory animals to labs across the country.

The NIH (National Institutes of Health) and other organizations are calling for greater integration and development of NAMs to reduce animal testing—particularly involving primates—whenever scientifically justifiable. Federal funding has not increased in recent decades and therefore no longer suffices to cover all of the ONPRC’s operating costs. By law, state funds from Oregon may not be used for the ONPRC.

For this reason, the ONPRC is to significantly reduce the number of primates in its facility and phase out its role as a national supplier of primates for research purposes. The center is to become a national center of excellence for the development, validation, and implementation of NAMs (New Approach Methodologies). A residual population of primates should be maintained to enable unique research and the development of NAMs to continue. The ONPRC is also to be renamed and positioned as a center for NAMs.

In the detailed plan, OHSU leadership will identify research areas where primates are still needed, develop measures to reduce the NHP colony size—including relocation to other sanctuaries—ensure funding for the ONPRC, train staff in NAMs, and involve all stakeholders, including animal welfare organizations. In addition, new partnerships are to be established with the NIH and other research and industry institutions.

Sources and further information:
https://www.science.org/content/