Toxicology > Non-Human Primate Toxicology

For testing of pharmaceuticals the non-rodent species must be selected on the basis of the "similarity to humans with regard to pharmacokinetic profile including biotransformation. Exposure to the main human metabolite(s) should be assured. Whenever possible, the selected species should be responsive to the primary pharmacodynamic effect of the substance." (European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products 1999). For some pharmaceutical agents, the dog is not suitable as a second species and the most appropriate species to meet these considerations is a non-human primate. It is likely that the requirement for non-human primate studies will increase with the development of larger numbers of biotechnology derived products and, in particular, neuroactive agents. Progenix Research provide purpose-designed facilities for non-human primate toxicology, which marks a major step forward in the welfare of laboratory primates used in regulatory toxicity testing.

Our non-human primate building includes 8 animal rooms each designed to house up to 36 group housed macaques. Our cage design provides the optimum environmental enrichment for these animals whilst retaining the necessary capability to conduct routine experimental and observational procedures. Flexible interconnected cages allow for varying group sizes and enable ease of handling. Non-human primates will be supplied from our own biosecure breeding facility. Thus animals can be pre-acclimatised in groups suitable for the studies required and involves no transport related stress. The non-human primate building includes a devoted necropsy suite and areas for surgical procedures.

Study capability: safety pharmacology, single and repeated dose toxicity, dose range-finding studies and toxicokinetics. All major routes of exposure are accommodated: oral, intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular and inhalation.

 

"...provide a world-leading facilities for primate toxicology"