Physicians Praise OHSU for Opening Path Toward Closure of Oregon Primate Research Center

PORTLAND, Ore.—The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine applauds the Oregon Health & Science University Board of Directors’ approval of a resolution authorizing negotiations with the National Institutes of Health to transition the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) toward closure and potential conversion into a primate sanctuary.

With passage of the resolution, OHSU is now positioned to work with the NIH to explore a pathway away from invasive primate experimentation and toward humane, human-relevant science. During a 180-day negotiation period authorized by the resolution, OHSU will pause monkey breeding outside of what is required for ongoing research, where feasible.

“Physicians all over Oregon are delighted to see a transition away from monkey experiments toward better research methods that will help our patients,” said Neal Barnard, MD, FACC, president and founder of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. “OHSU can now invest in modern human clinical research and cellular studies that are far more effective.”

“What happens at ONPRC matters far beyond Oregon,” said Janine McCarthy, MPH, acting director of research policy at the Physicians Committee. “This decision shows how research institutions can proactively adapt to a scientific and policy landscape that is steadily moving away from animal experiments.”

The Physicians Committee has led a sustained campaign to end primate experimentation at ONPRC, including public education, legislative testimony, engagement with federal agencies, and public comments to the OHSU Board. More than 25,000 Oregonians have contacted the governor and state lawmakers urging closure of the facility.

Federal agencies, including the NIH, Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have announced plans to reduce reliance on animal experiments in favor of modern, human-based approaches such as organ-on-a-chip technology and advanced computational methods.

The Physicians Committee urges OHSU and NIH to move swiftly through negotiations to implement the steps outlined in the resolution, laying the groundwork for transitioning the primate research center to a sanctuary and ultimately closing it permanently.

To speak with Dr. Barnard or Ms. McCarthy, please contact Reina Pohl at 202-527-7326 or rpohl [at] pcrm.org (rpohl[at]pcrm[dot]org).