Scientific Program

Primate Models for Human Diseases

The use of the appropriate species is essential to obtaining the most reliable information. Primates have anatomical, physiological and immunological systems more similar, although not identical, to humans than other species used and are susceptible to diseases that may not be present in other species. Therefore, the use of primates remains unavoidable in several essential research areas, Such as Type 2 Diabetes and lipid metabolism, AIDS, Drug Abuse / Dependence Studies and Neuro-Degenerative Diseases. In this topic, we will focus on the methods and potential applications of nonhuman primate models in biomedical research.

Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine

The potential use of Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in regenerative medicine is a major area where the non-human primate could contribute to initial experimental success and protocol development, with the potential for animal studies involving safety and efficacy evaluation. In considering ESC-derived, differentiated cells in the context of regenerative medicine, i.e., for transplantation into the patient to cure or ameliorate disease, the issue of host-graft rejection must be addressed. Establishing the medical potential of ESC-derived phenotypes involves evaluating safety from the host’s perspective and efficacy of the graft post-transplantation. A role for animal experimentation and specifically for NHPs in neurodegenerative conditions seems obvious. It is clear that NHP research activities are appropriate and desirable in translational research when a primate model is necessitated by ethical concerns and the requirement for primate testing.

Animal Science

This session will cover the topics on animal environment, housing and management, veterinarian, international standards for laboratory animal care and welfare and trends in animal care and use programs in China.