Questions about our animal testing policy

We seek to contribute to the development of new medications or therapies for serious diseases. In certain cases, animal testing is required for the proper performance of our research duties. When BPRC conducts experiments involving animal testing, we act in accordance with the Dutch Experiments on Animals Act (WOD), under which primates must only be used for biomedical research on serious diseases if no alternative methods are available. We operate in accordance with the principle of the three Rs: Reduction, Refinement and Replacement of experiments involving animal testing.

What happens to the animals after they die?

We collect the tissues and organs of every dead monkey. These materials are stored in our biobank, which is Europe's largest biobank for non-human primate cells and tissues.

Scientists from all over the world are welcome to use these cells and tissues to examine alternative research methods.

Does BPRC conduct research on behalf of make-up companies, too?

BPRC does not conduct research related to the development of cosmetics (this is prohibited under the Dutch Experiments on Animals Act), recreational drugs or weapons. BPRC only conducts research on diseases threatening the lives of humans.

What does BPRC do to promote research without animal testing?

Like everyone else, we want to reduce the use of animal experiments. That is why we have a dedicated research group that develops new scientific methods.

We create alternative models that can replace animals, such as cell models, organoids and computer models. For every study, we first examine which non-animal methods we can use and in which situations monkeys are still truly necessary. In this way, we are working step by step toward fewer animal experiments in the future.

Is it really necessary to use monkeys for medical progress?

Yes, for some diseases there are still no sufficiently reliable alternative research methods. Because the immune system and the brain of monkeys are very similar to those of humans, they are sometimes needed to conduct dependable research.

We actively work on developing alternatives. However, organoids, cell models and computer simulations cannot yet fully replicate complex processes such as the immune system or brain function. That is why monkeys are still needed in some cases—but only when no other research method is available.

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Questions about our animal testing policy

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