Clearly, the advancement in basic research and gains in scientific 
knowledge that have resulted from the use of primates in the past have 
been in the national interest, and it will also serve that interest to 
continue to support these kinds of studies. Therefore, considerations 
should be given to the use of primates for research that cannot always 
be clearly justified in immediately practical terms, and for studies to 
determine which species are best for a given purpose. 
The assessment of the protocols of research projects and other proposals 
specifying the use of nonhuman primates is the responsibility of each 
sponsor within whose purview such projects and proposals fall. Specifi¬ 
cations for primate use or restrictions on their availability are also 
developed by sponsors and other Federal agencies as a result of their 
regulatory authority. An assessment is necessary of the impact of such 
regulations on overall national primate needs. The purpose is not to 
reassess existing requirements but rather to provide an early warning 
system of impact and a coordinating device in relation to any new re¬ 
quirements and restrictions. For example, if a given agency intends to 
establish standards for premarket product testing which requires the use 
of primates, it is essential that it be aware of the availability of 
these animals and of repercussions such regulation might have on other 
critical health activities involving primates. 
It is recommended that any proposed guideline, standard, or 
regulation developed by a Federal agency which either requires 
that primates be used or restricts their availability be 
submitted to the IPSC to assess the potential impact on the 
overall national primate supply. In addition, a coordinating 
procedure should be established to facilitate interaction with 
the IPSC at the earliest possible stages of such a regulatory 
development process. 
The need for nonhuman primates in activities of a recurring or production 
nature such as: biologies production, testing, and reference diagnosis 
was generally identified when these animals were relatively abundant, 
cost effective, and of unique value for these purposes. Current circum¬ 
stances make it advisable to reexamine these benefits. Primates are now 
less plentiful; they are also expensive. Advances in scientific know¬ 
ledge have made it possible to minimize the number of primates required 
for these purposes, and continued research may provide methods for 
further reductions. 
It is recommended that sponsors and performers reexamine 
their need for primates in recurring and production 
activities, ensuring that there is no acceptable alternative 
to their use and, where necessary, place increased emphasis 
on the development of new techniques and procedures in order 
to further reduce this need. 
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