At the National Primate Research Centers (NPRCs), advancing human health goes hand in hand with a deep commitment to responsible, ethical research. Across all seven NPRCs, scientists are dedicated to improving and refining how research is conducted, investing in innovative alternatives known as non-animal models (NAMs) and only using animals when absolutely necessary.
The 3Rs: A Foundation for Ethical Research
Central to NPRC research is the principle of the “3Rs”: Replace, Reduce, and Refine animal use wherever scientifically possible. Before any study involving animals begins, researchers first use NAMs, such as computer models, organ-on-a-chip technology, and 3D cell cultures, to gather preliminary data and refine their experiments. This approach helps minimize the number of animals needed and ensures the highest standards of care and scientific rigor.
The Power and Limits of Non-Animal Models
NAMs are powerful tools for understanding biology and disease. They allow scientists to screen drugs, predict toxicity, and refine dosing without the use of animals. However, while NAMs provide valuable insights, they cannot yet fully replicate the complexity of a living organism. Many diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, or heart conditions, involve interactions across multiple organ systems, something NAMs alone cannot model.
That’s why NPRC scientists use a hybrid approach: NAMs are used wherever possible, and animal studies are conducted only when there is no other way to answer critical research questions. This ensures that research is both innovative and responsible.
Why Animal Research Remains Essential
U.S. law requires that all new medicines and medical devices be evaluated in animals for safety and efficacy before human trials can begin. Nonhuman primates represent less than 1% of all research animals and are used only when no other species can answer the research questions at hand. Their genetic, physiological, and behavioral similarities to humans make them essential for studying complex diseases and developing new treatments.
NPRCs are committed to the highest standards of animal care and ethics. Studies must be necessary, ethical, and conducted with rigorous oversight. The centers also invest in technologies and methods that refine research and reduce animal stress, such as advanced imaging and noninvasive monitoring.
Leading the Way in Research Alternatives
NPRC scientists are at the forefront of developing and validating new NAMs, with support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These efforts are accelerating, but until alternatives can fully replicate living systems, animal studies remain vital for progress in areas like neurodegenerative, metabolic, and infectious diseases.
By using a combination of NAMs and animal studies, NPRCs are able to maximize scientific accuracy, reduce the use of animals, and ensure that research benefits both human and animal health.
A National Resource for Science and Ethics
The NPRCs serve as a national resource, supporting scientists across the U.S. and around the world. Each center is part of a host academic institution and provides specialized facilities, expertise, and training for the next generation of researchers. Their commitment to the 3Rs and to responsible innovation ensures that every study is conducted with care, for the animals—for science, and for society.
