Why Primates Are Critical to Medical Research
Nonhuman primates, especially long-tailed macaques, play an irreplaceable role in advancing life-saving treatments and vaccines. Sharing close similarities with humans, they help bridge the gap between discovery and cures.
Why Nonhuman Primates Matter
Essential Partners in Biomedical Discovery
Nonhuman primates (NHPs) share over 90% of their DNA with humans, making them vital research partners for understanding disease and developing safe, effective treatments. Their similarities in physiology, cognition, and social behavior allow scientists to study complex conditions in ways no other model can — bridging the gap between laboratory research and human health.
Genetic Similarities
NHPs share close DNA and biological systems with humans, making them reliable models for studying disease.
Complex Physiology & Cognition
From brain function to immune response, NHPs mirror human systems in ways other animals cannot.
Irreplaceable Role
For certain diseases and therapies, only NHPs can provide the insights needed to advance cures and improve lives.
Lifesaving Medical Impact
NHP research has led to vaccines, cancer therapies, gene treatments, and other lifesaving advances for humans and animals.
Spotlight on a Vital Model
Why Long-Tailed Macaques Are Essential to Modern Medicine
Sharing over 90% of their DNA with humans, long-tailed macaques provide researchers with critical insights into complex diseases and treatments. They have played – and continue to play – an irreplaceable role in pharmacology and toxicology as a part of drug and vaccine development. They are needed to develop cancer therapies, and even cutting-edge technologies like CRISPR gene-editing.
Their use is highly regulated, with strict ethical oversight ensuring humane care and welfare. Without their contributions, many lifesaving medical advancements for both humans and animals would face significant delays.
Key Insights from NIH ORIP
Understanding the Leidos Reports: The Future of Primate Research
In 2018, the NIH Office of Research Infrastructure Programs (ORIP) commissioned Leidos to analyze the role of nonhuman primates (NHPs) in biomedical research. The two-part report highlights growing demand, ethical responsibilities, and the urgent need to safeguard U.S. leadership in primate research. In 2024 the National Institutes of Health released a final research NHP analysis and report. All three reports can be found here
- Rising Demand – Forecasts show increased need for rhesus macaques and marmosets in the next five years.
- Preclinical Testing – NHPs remain essential for evaluating vaccine and therapy safety before human trials.
- Global Competition – Nations like China and Japan are rapidly scaling up NHP research.
- Urgent Action – Without sustained resources, the U.S. risks losing leadership in biomedical innovation.
Did you know?
23 out of the 25 top prescription drugs involved NHPs — a 92% impact rate.
Dive Deeper
Explore Nonhuman Primate Research Resources
Access white papers, infographics, and fact sheets to learn more about the critical role of primates in medical research.
Partnerships That Advance Science
Collaborating for Ethical and Impactful Research
The Foundation for Biomedical Research works closely with industry partners, academic institutions, and advocacy organizations to ensure responsible and humane use of nonhuman primates in biomedical research. These collaborations help drive scientific breakthroughs, improve patient outcomes, and maintain high standards of animal welfare.
Support the Science Behind Every Breakthrough
Since 1981, FBR has championed ethical animal research to drive innovation in medicine. Your support helps us continue educating the public and empowering the research community to improve lives across species.
