Virtually every major medical advance of the last century has relied on animal research. The knowledge gained through such research has led to the ability to treat, prevent or eradicate diseases that once killed millions of people every year. Animal research has also resulted in many lifesaving treatments and therapies for pets and farm animals as well.

When studying human diseases, nonhuman primates provide one of the best animal models. Humans and monkeys bear a close genetic relationship, reflected in many anatomical, behavioral, developmental, physiological, and reproductive similarities. Because of these close similarities, nonhuman primates have played a critical role in biomedical and behavioral research.

For example, monkeys are susceptible to an immunodeficiency virus similar to HIV, making them ideal for the study of AIDS and potential vaccines and treatments.

Similarities in the central motor pathways between monkeys and humans have led to the development of safe and effective interventions to slow the progress of Parkinson's disease.

Monkeys in breeding colonies can live well past their normal lifespan in the wild, providing opportunities for research on aging-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and changes associated with the menopause and reproductive senescence. Studies at the CNPRC have led to successful clinical trials and beneficial treatment of people with mild forms of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Monkeys are the only mammalian animal model with menstrual cycles and hormonal patterns comparable to humans. Thus, reproductive research provides crucial insights into fertility, pregnancy and menopause.

These are just a few of the many examples of how research in nonhuman primates has extended our fundamental knowledge of how the human body functions in health and disease.