Expansion of an established breeding SPF Program at CPRC

University Of Puerto Rico Med Sciences, San Juan PR

Investigators

Abstract

SUMMARY The rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) is the most commonly used nonhuman primate model in biomedical research. Nonhuman primate models are of growing importance for HIV/AIDS-related research to develop vaccines, therapeutic interventions a potential cure and other approaches. However, it is well-known that the demand by the research community of rhesus macaques, remains greater than their availability. The CPRC have been critical for maintaining the momentum of NIH-supported. Over the last three years (2020-2023), 700 animals (app 230/year) have been available from this program supporting $57,866,376 of NIH-high priority HIV/AIDS-research, mainly R01, P01, U01- funded academic investigators and NIAID-DAIDS-SVEU programs. This NOFO presents an opportune moment to bolster CPRC's SPF program, aiming to add at least 350 new animals in 5 years and 1,000 in 10 years, significantly enhancing the Center's resources for cutting- edge research on NIH-funded HIV/AIDS.