BPRC
Biomedical Primate Research Centre
The BPRC is a dedicated research center specializing in biomedical and behavioral research using non-human primates (NHP) as models for life-threatening and debilitating human diseases. With AAALAC accreditation and ISO14001 certification, the facility meets the highest standards in animal welfare and sustainability. Its unique, self-sustaining NHP colonies, characterized for immunological and microbiological markers, eliminate the need for animal import. The center provides advanced infrastructure for both invasive and non-invasive studies, including ABSL-3 facilities, imaging techniques, and non-animal alternatives like organoids. Additionally, it hosts a renowned NHP biobank containing a wide variety of high-quality biological samples.
Infrastructure and User Services
The Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC) provides a unique platform for research aimed at identifying and developing new therapies for life-threatening and debilitating human diseases. For this, we have various non-human primate (NHP) models relevant to human biology and disease. In addition, BPRC contributes to the development of alternatives to animal research in line with the 3R principle (Refinement, Reduction, and Replacement)
BPRC offers specialised expertise and infrastructure for studying infectious diseases, such as (re)emerging viral infections, as well as aging-related and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and longCOVID. The facility’s high standards in animal welfare are internationally acknowledged and is AAALAC accreditation.
BPRC maintains closed, self-sustaining breeding colonies of NHPs, eliminating the need for import. These colonies are among the most thoroughly characterised worldwide, with detailed microbiological and immunological profiles (including MHC typing). This allows for careful selection and habituation of animals for specific studies, minimising stress and enhancing scientific validity.
The infrastructure includes ABSL-2 and ABSL-3 facilities and advanced imaging capabilities, including a dedicated PET-CT scanner for NHPs. Supporting laboratories provide full diagnostic and research services, including New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and tracer evaluation. Together, these resources create a unique environment for high-quality, ethical, and translational biomedical research using unique models.
A unique additional feature is the availability of a large NHP-biobank with unique material from various NHP species, including tissues, serum, CSF, blood cells and genetic samples.
The infrastructure offers its scientific expertise and facilities for (joined) research and research programs using NHP models, including development of 3Rs alternatives.
Examples/description of the type of research
BPRC will facilitate both fundamental and applied research on infectious diseases, as well as neurodegenerative and aging-related diseases. The institute offers scientific and technical expertise to address questions related to disease biology, and the development of new vaccines and therapies for serious human diseases, utilizing relevant non-human primate (NHP) models. Also evaluation of new tracers for diagnostics and/or treatments are offered. Where possible, New Approach Methodologies will be developed and offered as well. The NHPs used in these studies will be sourced from BPRC's well-characterized breeding colonies. Expertise provided includes veterinary and pathology reports, as well as scientific research services such as lab analysis and imaging (e.g., PET-CT).
How to access the infrastructure?
Access is granted through either joined applications for external grants or by contracts with the applicant. The access is based on scientific merit, including scientific research and applied/translational potential of the research