Further expansion of the Southwest National Primate Research Center Specific Pathogen Free Rhesus Macaque Resource

Abstract
The Southwest National Primate Research Center (SNPRC) houses a Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) rhesus
macaque colony of Indian origin (Ind RM), supported by the NIH SPF rhesus breeding program (U42OD010442),
and a smaller SPF P51 supported colony. We currently house ~1000 rhesus macaques, of which the U42 colony
of approximately 800 animals supports AIDS-related research both at SNPRC and through sales to AIDS
investigators at other institutions. However, there is a major national shortage of research nonhuman primates
(NHPs), and particularly of SPF Ind RM. This has severely impacted our ability to support the national and
international research mission of HIV/AIDS as well as in the area of non-AIDS/other infectious diseases, AIDS
co-infections, malaria, TB, COVID-19, etc. The NIH has recognized this need for expansion of SPF rhesus
production and strongly recommends increasing Ind RM breeding capacity. The SNPRC is well positioned to
expand its SPF Ind RM production as a center located in a climate hospitable to largely outdoor housing, at an
institution with capacity for expansion. Our host institution, Texas Biomed, raised funds and is currently building
new NHP facilities which will house ~600 NHPs. Texas Biomed/SNPRC has also been funded by the NIH/ORIP
to expand our production capacity by 30% over our existing capacity via other mechanisms. Finally, through
Texas Biomed support, we have procured ~150 conventional founder/breeder Ind RM. This founder colony has
increased the number of breeding pairs the SNPRC macaque colony management team can generate, and it is
expected that in the upcoming birthing season, ~200 RM live births will occur, double that of each of the last
several years. As such the SNPRC Ind RM population can increase to 1500+ in the next five years. Funded
partially by this C06, we seek to construct an additional animal housing/breeding facility adjacent the two new
holding/breeding facilities currently under construction, as part of the overall $45M long term Animal Care
Complex project. This will further allow us to house, breed and maintain an additional supply of ~300 Ind RM for
AIDS/emerging infectious diseases research.

Grant Number: 1C06OD036038-01
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: Lee-Ann Allen