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National Primate Research Centers (NPRCs)* are a network of eight highly specialized
facilities for nonhuman primates (NHP) research. Funded by grants through NCRR’s
Division of Comparative Medicine (DCM), each center, staffed with experienced
research and support staff, provides the appropriate research environment to foster
the development of NHP models of human health and disease for biomedical investigations.
The NPRCs are affiliated with academic institutions and are accessible to eligible
biomedical and behavioral investigators supported by research project grants from
the National Institutes of Health and other sources.
NHPs’ close molecular, immunological, reproductive, and neurological relationship
to humans makes them essential surrogates for humans in biomedical studies related
to major human diseases (e.g, AIDS, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s
disease, leprosy, hemorrhagic shock, and cardiovascular diseases). NPRCs also
provide nonhuman primate cells, tissues, organs, and biological fluids. The Comparative
Medicine Resources Directory further describes the NPRCs, includes contact
information, and identifies the research emphasis of each center.
To access an NPRC, an investigator must submit an initial research proposal to
the NPRC prior to submitting an application for project funding. When research
availability and project feasibility have been established, the NPRC staff will
provide budget information to the researcher regarding the center costs to be
included in the formal research project application.
The scientific merit of the applicant must then be evaluated through the NIH peer
review process or through a similar process at other agencies. In addition to
the scientific peer review, a protocol approved by the Institutional Animal Care
and Use Committees (IACUC) at both the investigator's institution and the NPRC
must be in place. The NPRC director should be advised immediately when the investigator
has received notification of funding so that the resources at the NPRC may be
reserved.
*The National Primate Research Centers were formerly called Regional
Primate Research Centers. The name was changed in April 2002 to reflect the expanded
role of the centers.
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