Rhesus Macaque Model

Advancing Translational Science with the Rhesus Macaque Model

Partner with the National Biomedical Research Institute (NBRI)

For more than six decades, the National Biomedical Research Institute (NBRI) has been at the forefront of advancing human and animal health through innovative, ethical, and collaborative biomedical research. As one of the nation's premier nonhuman primate research institutions, NBRI provides investigators with unparalleled access to specialized animal models, scientific expertise, and high-quality biological resources that accelerate discovery and translation.

Among these resources, the rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) remains one of the most powerful and extensively characterized models in biomedical research. Its remarkable genetic, physiological, and immunological similarity to humans has made it indispensable in the development of vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and precision medicine.

From the development of the polio vaccine to today's breakthroughs in infectious disease, neuroscience, immunology, regenerative medicine, and gene therapy, rhesus macaques have helped transform modern medicine. NBRI continues that legacy by supporting investigators with comprehensive research services, expertly managed colonies, and rigorously characterized biological specimens designed to meet the highest scientific and regulatory standards.

Why Researchers Choose NBRI

NBRI is more than a source of research animals or biological samples—we are a collaborative research partner.

Our multidisciplinary teams work alongside academic institutions, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical organizations, and government agencies to design studies, develop novel animal models, and generate high-quality translational data.

Researchers benefit from:

One of the nation's most comprehensive nonhuman primate research programs
More than 60 years of expertise in nonhuman primate biology and translational science
Specialized scientific and veterinary support
Access to unique animal models and biological specimens
Advanced imaging and phenotyping capabilities
State-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure
Collaborative study design and scientific consultation
Commitment to ethical animal care and the principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement (3Rs)

The Gold Standard for Translational Research

The rhesus macaque continues to serve as the benchmark nonhuman primate model because of its close genetic relationship to humans and the extensive body of historical scientific data available to investigators.

Immunology and Infectious Disease

The rhesus macaque has played a foundational role in vaccine development and remains the preferred model for investigating immune responses to emerging infectious diseases.

Researchers utilize this model to study:

Vaccine development and efficacy
HIV/SIV pathogenesis
Tuberculosis
Emerging viral diseases
Monoclonal antibody therapeutics
Cell and gene therapies
Immune modulation
Cytokine biology
Immunotoxicology

Its highly comparable immune system enables investigators to evaluate safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of action with exceptional translational relevance.

Neuroscience and Brain Disorders

The complexity of the rhesus macaque brain closely mirrors that of humans, making it an essential model for understanding neurological function and disease.

NBRI investigators support research in:

Neurodegenerative disease
Cognitive aging
Psychiatric disorders
Addiction biology
Brain development
Neuropharmacology
Neuroimaging
Central nervous system drug delivery

Advanced imaging platforms—including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and other functional imaging technologies—allow investigators to study disease progression and therapeutic response in vivo.

Pharmacology and Drug Development

The rhesus macaque provides highly predictive pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data because of similarities in drug metabolism, transport, and clearance.

Studies supported by NBRI include:

ADME characterization
Toxicology
Safety pharmacology
IND-enabling studies
Biomarker discovery
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling
Drug-drug interaction assessment

High-Quality Biological Resources

NBRI provides investigators with access to rigorously characterized biological specimens collected under standardized protocols that preserve sample integrity and maximize reproducibility.

Available biological resources include:

Blood and Immune Cell Products

High-quality whole blood, serum, plasma, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) support:

Immunophenotyping
Vaccine studies
Biomarker discovery
Flow cytometry
Functional immune assays
PK/PD analyses

Central Nervous System Resources

For neuroscience and neurotherapeutic research, NBRI offers access to specialized central nervous system specimens, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and carefully characterized brain tissues that support biomarker development, molecular pathology, receptor biology, and translational neuroscience.

Metabolism and Drug Discovery

Primary rhesus hepatocytes provide robust in vitro systems for evaluating:

Drug metabolism
Hepatic clearance
CYP induction and inhibition
Drug-drug interactions
Metabolite identification

These resources help investigators improve candidate selection before advancing to clinical development.

Genomic and Tissue Resources

Researchers also have access to DNA, RNA, and a broad range of tissue specimens for applications including:

Genomics
Transcriptomics
Molecular pathology
Toxicogenomics
Biomarker validation
Comparative biology
Precision medicine

Scientific Expertise That Extends Beyond Animal Models

NBRI's greatest strength is the scientific expertise that accompanies every collaboration.

Our investigators and technical specialists bring decades of experience in:

Comparative medicine
Immunology
Neuroscience
Infectious diseases
Genetics and genomics
Imaging sciences
Behavioral biology
Reproductive biology
Pathology
Veterinary medicine
Biostatistics
Regulatory science

Whether supporting investigator-initiated research or industry-sponsored development programs, our teams work collaboratively to develop customized solutions that advance scientific discovery.

Commitment to Scientific Excellence and Animal Welfare

NBRI is committed to maintaining the highest standards of animal care, scientific integrity, and regulatory compliance.

All studies are conducted in accordance with applicable federal regulations and institutional oversight while embracing the principles of the 3Rs—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement.

Our comprehensive quality systems include:

Rigorous veterinary health monitoring
Pathogen surveillance
Standardized sample collection and processing
Comprehensive quality control
Detailed specimen documentation and traceability
Expert colony management

These practices ensure that researchers receive reliable, reproducible biological resources capable of supporting high-impact science.

Advancing the Next Generation of Biomedical Discovery

The challenges facing modern medicine—from emerging infectious diseases and neurodegenerative disorders to precision medicine and regenerative therapies—require animal models that faithfully recapitulate human biology.

For more than 60 years, researchers around the world have relied on NBRI's expertise, specialized nonhuman primate models, and collaborative scientific environment to answer complex biomedical questions and accelerate the development of life-changing therapies.

Whether your research requires animal models, biological specimens, imaging capabilities, specialized laboratory services, or scientific collaboration, NBRI offers the experience, infrastructure, and resources to help move your discoveries from the laboratory toward clinical impact.