Biomedical Research with Primates
at the University of Michigan Medical School
Why does the U-M use primates in animal research?
The University of Michigan does not enter into primate research lightly. Primates are used only when there is no acceptable alternative. For example, when we need to have as full of an understanding as possible of how humans may respond to a particular intervention and we know the response in other animal models will be too dissimilar.
How does primate research help people?
Some of the areas U-M researchers are working on include testing quick-acting compounds to prevent drug overdoses, medicines that have the potential to help millions of people break the bonds of drug addiction and alleviating the side-effects of narcotics that many patients must take.
For many years U-M has been a leader in evaluating the safety and effectiveness of narcotics prior to their approval for use in humans.
Moreover, many of the medical advances we take for granted today would not have been possible without primate research. These include polio and rabies vaccines, chemotherapy, artificial joint replacements, coronary bypass surgery, and organ transplants.
How many and what types of primates do you have?
In 2010, less than one one-hundredth of one percent of U-M research animals were primates. Most are rhesus macaque monkeys. We have a few baboons and no chimpanzees. Ninety-eight percent of all U-M research animals are rats, mice, fish and frogs.
Who cares for the animals?
Good animal care and good science go hand-in-hand. Highly trained and caring U-M veterinarians and animal care technicians care for our research animals. These professionals would be the first to object if they felt animals were not being treated properly.
Technicians are certified by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. Medical care for all animals is provided by licensed veterinarians or veterinary technicians with specialized training in laboratory animal medicine.
Our animal care and use program is a model for other biomedical research institutions around the country. The U-M has been accredited continuously by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care since its first inspection in 1971. Our animal care and use program is fully compliant with all federal, state and university regulations and policies, as well as national professional standards.
Who is responsible?
Before a U-M scientist can begin a study involving animals, a detailed description of the study's protocol and purpose must be approved by the University Committee on Use and Care of Animals (UCUCA).
This committee includes members of the general public, non-scientists and veterinarians, as well as experienced animal researchers. Applicants must prove they are qualified to conduct the study in an appropriate and humane manner. The review process is rigorous and often takes many weeks to complete. Even after it is approved, research with animals is subject to unannounced inspections by UCUCA members, who have the authority to terminate a study at any time.