An independent report has concluded that there is a strong scientific case for the use of non-human primates in research of biological or medical importance with the potential to improve human health.

The report highlights the need for 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 to humans to provide relevant information. For potential treatments of brain diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease and vaccines for infections such as HIV, research and testing in non-human primates provides the only means of insuring against the failure of therapies in humans.

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 3300, with the majority used in safety testing of new drugs and around 450 used in academic research.

Dr. Mark Walport, Director of the Wellcome Trust said:

"We welcome the publication of this independent report from David Weatherall and his colleagues. Together with the other sponsors of the report we will be considering its recommendations in the coming months. Scientists in the UK rarely use primates, only in carefully regulated situations and where no other alternatives exist. Research using non-human primates has played a major role in improving human and animal health, and this continues to be the case."

See also

• Press release (full details)

External links

• Access the full report