The Irreplaceable Nature of Non-Human Primate Models in Neuroscience Research

The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) strongly advocates for the responsible and ethical use of animals in biomedical research, including the use of non-human primates (NHPs). NHPs continue to serve a critical role in advancing scientific understanding of the brain. NHPs allow researchers to explore the behavior, physiology, and neurobiology of a species much closer to humans than other laboratory animals and alternative models, holding higher promise of translational breakthroughs for society.

SfN shares the concerns over ongoing and recent efforts to close laboratories, delegitimize, and further restrict work involving NHPs and other animal models. Animal models are vital and irreplaceable for scientific progress and in combating the devastation of human brain disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, addiction, vision and hearing loss, depression, and autism, which affect more than one billion people worldwide. Using animal models provides the basis for the understanding of nervous system function and the general physiology and biology of both humans and animals. It has been essential to nearly every major scientific breakthrough in neuroscience and medical advances improving human health and well-being.

Biomedical research using animal models must be carefully regulated and conducted humanely. To ensure this goal, governments worldwide have regulatory bodies to oversee and inspect laboratories conducting primate research. In the United States, the methods of animal models must be approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), which includes a veterinarian, a member of the public, and other scientists. As scientific advancements are pursued, animal models are only used when necessary to assure validity and rigor. The scientific community takes these obligations, principles, and professional responsibilities seriously.

Based on the nation’s most pressing public health needs, a May 2023 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine stated there are currently no alternative approaches that can replace NHP models to answer research questions that require complete multiorgan interactions and integrated biology. The report also states that specific domains of research (including neurodegeneration, motor and cognitive function, neurodevelopmental conditions, and social and behavioral effects on health) will likely require increased involvement of NHPs in the future for continued biomedical progress. Additionally, a working group of the NIH Advisory Committee to the Director (ACD) published a report in December 2023, Catalyzing the Development and Use of Novel Alternative Methods, and stated, “It is important to acknowledge that any type of research study must prioritize integration of robust research practices to maximize scientific integrity. The development of novel alternative methods (NAMs) alone will not solve the problem and animal models must also improve.” To this end, NIH also recognizes that to support rigorous and impactful science, the choice of model or integrated models and methodologies used in biomedical research studies must be selected based on scientific appropriateness and relevance to human health and disease.

In the pursuit of treatment for diseases and better health, and through scientific progress, biomedical research should operate within the laws and guidelines set by multiple oversight bodies and continue to use the appropriate model where necessary. Without critical research involving animal models and NHPs, there would be limitations in understanding the brain and stalled progress in developing treatments for human brain disorders. The ethical use of animal models for critical research is essential to advancing our knowledge of basic neuroscience processes and working toward curing disease.