Statement on Research Involving Non-Human Primates
We would like to take this opportunity to highlight factual information related to the research at EVMS involving non-human primates, as it has been the subject of articles, press releases and social media posts that contain significant mischaracterizations of the facts.
This research is primarily focused on studying preeclampsia, which is one of the most common complications of human pregnancy. Preeclampsia can result in a life-threatening increase in blood pressure, and, if not treated, can lead to preterm labor and fetal growth restriction, as well as maternal seizures and possibly death. Preeclampsia occurs in about 1 in 10 pregnant women and results in more than 70,000 maternal deaths and 500,000 infant deaths worldwide. The condition is more common in Black women and is an important issue related to health equity in our community and worldwide.
Since its inception, this non-human primate research at EVMS, which is done in collaboration with researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, has been and continues to be funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This process is highly competitive and involves detailed peer review and continuous oversight of study design and study aims by independent national experts in the field. The research also is continually monitored by EVMS committees, reviewed by external national expert-consultants and regularly inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). We strive to maintain the highest ethical standards regarding our use of animals in our research. EVMS’ animal facility, which is staffed by professionals and a veterinarian, has been continually accredited and approved by the American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) for more than 20 years.
This research, which cannot be performed directly on humans, through laboratory simulations, or using other animal models, has resulted in significant novel discoveries that substantially advanced the field toward understanding the cause of preeclampsia and its complications, including preterm birth and fetal growth restriction. The research has employed targeted gene therapy and other treatment modalities with the ultimate goal to help save mothers and babies.