‘What we do here is truly unique’

On the picture: deputy director Jan Langermans and director Merel Langelaar in front of one of the monkey's outdoor enclosures.

On World Day for Laboratory Animals, people around the world reflect on the necessity of animal research. For the Biomedical Primate Research Centre, it is also a moment to explain what research with monkeys contributes to global human health. “Research with monkeys is a small but important field”, says Jan Langermans, deputy director of BPRC. 

The immune system and neurological system of monkeys are very similar to those of humans. “That is exactly why they play an essential role in tackling serious infectious diseases and complex neurological disorders”, says Langermans, who is also professor of animal welfare at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University. 

“At BPRC, we use a wide range of research methods, from computer models and cell cultures to organoids. But because monkeys are so biologically similar to humans in key ways, they play a role that cannot be fully replaced by any other model.” 

His colleague Merel Langelaar, director of the biomedical research institute, agrees. “We are of strategic importance both nationally and internationally. As long as diseases exist and new ones continue to emerge, there will be a need to develop new treatments and vaccines. If Europe wants to remain strong, we must be able to conduct this research ourselves.” 

From polio to transplantation medicine 

History clearly shows the importance of this research, Jan adds. “The polio vaccine was developed with the help of monkeys. A disease that once affected millions worldwide is now almost eradicated. And more recently, deep brain stimulation — a treatment for people with Parkinson’s disease — could not have been developed without this type of research.” 

Research with monkeys has also contributed in other areas. “Here in Rijswijk, we have carried out important research into kidney and bone marrow transplants, contributing to the development of transplantation medicine.” 

Not all research requires monkeys. At BPRC, a wide range of methods is used, from computer models and cell cultures to organoids. But for certain diseases — particularly infectious diseases and neurological disorders — monkeys still provide the most relevant model. 

‘There are few places where this expertise truly comes together’ 

Several COVID-19 vaccines, including Janssen’s, were tested at BPRC. The institute also contributes to the development of vaccines against diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and yellow fever. 

In addition, BPRC conducts research into complex neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. 

“We see that our society is ageing”, says Merel. “At the same time, we know that external factors — such as infections, air pollution, or pesticides — may play a role in the development of these conditions. Previous infections are one of the factors we can study under controlled conditions.” 

Jan highlights a key strength of the institute: “We combine research into infectious diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. These fields are increasingly interconnected, yet there are very few places where this expertise truly comes together.” 

What makes BPRC unique 

This combination is highly relevant for the future. “We still know surprisingly little about the long-term effects of infections,” says Merel. “Think of long COVID, but also potential links to neurological conditions later in life.” 

According to her, this is exactly what makes BPRC’s work unique. “At our institute, researchers can study these complex questions under controlled conditions. There are very few places where this level of expertise, infrastructure, and experience come together.” 

Jan adds that BPRC’s self-sustaining colony of over 900 monkeys is also unique. “We know our animals from birth, monitor their health and behaviour, and do not need to import them. That gives us a high level of control, which directly improves the quality of the research.” 

This type of research requires specific expertise, infrastructure, and experience, making it scarce and not easily replaced. That control extends not only to the data, but also to how the animals are housed and cared for. The monkeys live in social groups, with space to climb and play. They are trained to cooperate calmly with procedures, minimizing stress. 

Animal welfare 

“That is not a side issue”, says Merel. “We go beyond national and international requirements for animal welfare because we believe it is important for the animals themselves. They live here under conditions that are as natural as possible. That is also essential for good research — less stress leads to more reliable data.” 

She continues: “It is precisely this combination of high-quality research and high animal welfare standards that makes the work here unique.” 

These conditions more closely reflect real-life situations, which improves how well results translate to humans. 

Increasingly, different disciplines work together in research. BPRC also collaborates with partners across Europe and beyond and is part of international networks. 

“Especially since COVID, we have seen how important it is to scale up quickly and share knowledge”, says Merel. “During the pandemic, we were able to act fast. Within a short time, we had a working animal model, allowing us to test vaccines.” 

Maximising knowledge, minimising animal use 

“That is no coincidence”, she adds. “It is the result of decades of investment in infrastructure, expertise, and permits. You have to be prepared before a new disease emerges. That is crucial not only for future pandemics but also for broader biological threats.” 

Within research, there is a continuous effort to improve and work more efficiently. “We aim to generate as much knowledge as possible using as few animals as possible”, says Jan. “When an animal is euthanised after a study, for example following research into a viral infection, we preserve tissues, blood, and DNA in biobanks. These are used worldwide.” 

Smarter research 

“The impact of a single animal goes far beyond a single experiment”, says Merel. According to her, that is the direction the field is moving in. “We want to conduct smarter research. With and without animals. Where possible, we use alternatives. But for some complex diseases, animal models are still necessary. At the same time, animal studies also help us develop and validate animal-free methods.” 

Jan concludes pragmatically: “It is not a black-and-white story. For some questions, there is simply no better model. And when that is the case, you have to do it as well and as carefully as possible.”