Statement from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

The Physicians Committee welcomes the Oregon Health & Science University Board of Directors’ consideration of a resolution to authorize OHSU to negotiate the closure of the Oregon National Primate Research Center.

The introduction of this resolution marks a meaningful turning point signaling the possibility of replacing invasive primate experimentation at OHSU with modern scientific techniques more relevant to human health. If approved, the resolution would open the door for the primate research center to transition into a sanctuary—saving thousands of monkeys and marking a decisive move toward more ethical, human-relevant science.

“For years, physicians, scientists, and Oregonians have called for an end to the monkey experiments at OHSU,” said Neal Barnard, MD, FACC, president and founder of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. “The Board’s consideration of a resolution authorizing negotiations brings the possibility of closure closer than ever.”

“This is what progress looks like,” said Janine McCarthy, MPH, acting director of research policy at the Physicians Committee. “OHSU is on the cusp of a new investment in human-relevant science that is faster, more predictive, and better aligned with patient needs.”

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

The National Institutes of Health, 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 human-based approaches such as organ-on-a-chip technology and advanced computational methods.

The Physicians Committee urges the OHSU Board to approve the resolution and to move promptly toward negotiations that would result in the closure of the primate research center.