EUPRIM-Net Primate BioBank for Tissue, Serum and Blood Samples
Reference Number TO 07-00032
The Challenge
Non-human primates are the closest species to humans in terms of biological make-up. For reasons of animal welfare and ethics, their use in medical research is restrictively regulated and only justified when the potential benefits are great and there are no realistic alternatives to advance knowledge in an essential area of medical science. Today, more than ever, researchers understand the responsibility that comes with the privilege of working with animals. Duties are laid down in the widely accepted 3R-principles, reduction, refinement, replacement. Centralised access to professionally handled primate material is an important means to support the responsible care of scientists.

The Technology
The Tissue, Blood and Serum bank is part of the EU funded Infrastructure Project EUPRIM-Net. The material collection consists of samples of three European primate centers and includes fixed and frozen tissue or organs as well as serum and blood samples. Samples also include various pathological samples and can be offered from a range of species (e.g. Macaca mulatta, Macaca fascicularis, Macaca silenus, Papio hamadryas, Sanguinus oedipus and Callitrix jacchus) whose quantities depend largely on the specification and vary widely. Processing of requests for fresh material depends on material availability and may result in delayed delivery.
Commercial Opportunity
Primate material is available for purchase to investigators at universities, research institutes, small and middle enterprises and industry located in the member states of the European Union and Associated States. The costs for the samples delivered by EUPRIM-Net can partially be covered by the EU.
The preparation, fixation and transport of material can be adapted to client needs. In case desired or fresh material is not available on the spot, a request to a waiting list can be posted which will be served as soon as the material is at hand. Pathological samples are available upon special request.
Further Information
www.euprim-net.eu/biobank/