Chimpanzees in Biomedical and Behavioral Research: Assessing the Necessity

"The committee based the following conclusions and recommendations in large part on the advances that have been made by the scientific community using alternative models to the chimpanzee, such as studies using other non-human primates, genetically modified mice, in vitro systems, and in silico technologies as well as human clinical trials. Having reviewed and analyzed contemporary and anticipated biomedical and behavioral research, the committee concludes that:"

• "While the chimpanzee has been a valuable animal model in past research, most current use of chimpanzees for biomedical research is unnecessary, based on the criteria established by the committee, except potentially for two current research uses:"
• "Development of future monoclonal antibody therapies will not require the chimpanzee, due to currently available technologies. However, there may be a limited number of mono- clonal antibodies already in the developmental pipeline that may require the continued use of chimpanzees."
• "The committee was evenly split and unable to reach consensus on the necessity of the chimpanzee for the development of a prophylactic hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccine. Specifically, the committee could not reach agreement on whether a preclinical challenge study using the chimpanzee model was necessary and if or how much the chimpanzee model would accelerate or improve prophylactic HCV vaccine development."


• "The present trajectory indicates a decreasing scientific need for chimpanzee studies due to the emergence of non-chimpanzee models and technologies."


• "Development of non-chimpanzee models requires continued support by the NIH."


• "A new, emerging, or reemerging disease or disorder may present challenges to treatment, prevention, and/or control that defy non- chimpanzee models and available technologies and therefore may require the future use of the chimpanzee."


• "Comparative genomics research may be necessary for understanding human development, disease mechanisms, and susceptibility because of the genetic proximity of the chimpanzee to humans. It poses no risk to the chimpanzee when biological materials are derived from existing samples or minimal risk of pain and distress in instances where samples are collected from living animals."


• "Chimpanzees may be necessary for obtaining otherwise unattainable insights to support understanding of social and behavioral factors that include the development, prevention, or treatment of disease."