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

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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.