An independent report has found a strong scientific case for the use of non-human primates in research
An independent working group chaired by Sir David Weatherall, has concluded that there is a scientific case for careful, meticulously regulated non-human primate research, at least for the foreseeable future, provided it is the only way of solving important scientific or medical questions and high standards of welfare are maintained.
The report has been welcomed with interest by the Medical Research Council.
The report highlights the need for the use of non-human primates to address particular research questions related to the immune, nervous and reproductive systems, where rodents and other animals can be too different from humans to provide relevant information.
For many treatments of brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease and vaccines for infections such as HIV, research in non-human primates provides the only means of ensuring that therapies are safe and effective before they are tested in humans.
Sir David added
“It is estimated that there is funding available for only about 10 major HIV, tuberculosis and malaria vaccine trials in the next 10 years. These trials can take 5 years and involve 10,000 volunteers. Pre-testing in a small number of non-human primates can ensure we only proceed into human trials with vaccines that are likely to prevent millions of people dying of these diseases.”
The report highlights new research approaches that do not involve non-human primates, particularly following advances in brain imaging, computational techniques and other laboratory approaches, and identifies areas where the use of non-human primates is no longer necessary. Consequently, over the last decade, the total number of non-human primates used each year in UK research has remained at around 3,300, with the majority used in safety testing of new drugs and around 450 used in academic research.
Sir David said:
“Completely new avenues of research have opened up in recent years - reflected in the fact that investment in research has almost doubled in the last decade, while the amount of animal, including non-human primate, research has remained more or less the same.”
Against this background of rapid change the report stresses the need for continued rigorous case-by-case assessment of non-human primate research proposals. This is backed up by calls for greater pooling of information on emerging technologies, sustained funding for research into alternatives and greater openness and accessibility of information, to enable a better and more sustainable scientific and public debate.
Throughout the study the working group heard claims that the future of UK non-human primate research is threatened. Sir David said:
“There are concerns that high costs, a shortage of animals and harassment by activists are forcing scientists to pursue non-human primate research overseas, where we have no control over animal welfare. This requires urgent investigation on the part of the government and relevant funding bodies.”
The report goes on to urge those involved in non-human primate research to work together in formulating a national strategic plan for the future of UK non-human primate research. This should include a re-evaluation of the organisation of non-human primate research facilities, starting with the development of ‘virtual’ networks between existing centres.
Sir David said:
“We are not calling for an expansion in non-human primate research but we need to give careful consideration to the creation of UK centres of excellence in this field. Focusing research at specialised centres would have huge scientific and welfare benefits.”
Initiators of the study - the Academy of Medical Sciences, the Royal Society, the Medical Research Council and Wellcome Trust - are committed to consider the recommendations and to formally respond within six months of publication.
The MRC’s chief executive Professor Colin Blakemore said:
“The Medical Research Council welcomes this report led by Sir David Weatherall, which after thorough investigation and deliberation, concludes that the continued use of primates in medical research is justified where there is no alternative.”
Professor Blakemore added:
“The MRC is concerned not only that primates be used only when there is no alternative to answer research questions of particular significance, but also that the standards of housing and care should be as high as possible. We remain of the view that in many areas of research we are still reliant on primates to achieve our goals for improving human health. We greet the expert group’s recommendations with interest and will be considering them in detail at the earliest opportunity.”
