Washington, D.C. — May 27— AMP joined twenty-three scientific, veterinary, and biomedical research organizations, institutions and others to sign onto a letter led by the National Primate Research Centers (NPRCs) to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The letter expressed serious concerns about the agency’s plan to retire approximately 160 macaques to the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary. It warns that rapidly introducing large numbers of unfamiliar adult macaques into new social groups could create significant welfare risks, including aggression, injury, and chronic stress. Signatories also questioned the transparency of the selection process and urged the CDC to fully evaluate alternative retirement options and establish independent expert oversight to ensure the monkeys’ long-term welfare and safety.

Read the letter here.

Washington, D.C. — May 26 — Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) submitted formal comments to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in response to its Request for Information (RFI) soliciting comments regarding a framework for the NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2027-2031.

In our response, AMP emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced and evidence-based biomedical research framework that supports both animal studies and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs).

We highlighted how animal models remain essential for understanding complex biological systems, advancing treatments for diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of new therapies. AMP also encouraged NIH to continue investing in interdisciplinary research infrastructure, workforce development, and collaborative approaches that integrate emerging technologies like AI and NAMs alongside animal research.

Read AMP’s RFI response here.

Washington, D.C. — May 8. Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) issued a statement related to the purchase of 1500 dogs from Ridglan Farms by Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy.

Social media pages and news feeds are filled with videos and photos of happy, healthy dogs being transferred from the research dog breeding facility to shelters around the country. This offers the opportunity to reflect on the contribution of dogs to medical progress and to recognize the compassionate care provided for dogs and other animals needed for research.

Below is the statement:

Research involving dogs has played an important role in advancing both human and veterinary medicine, contributing to treatments and therapies that improve and save lives, including the lives of pets. From vaccines and surgical techniques to treatments for heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other serious conditions, many medical advances relied on carefully conducted research involving animals alongside non-animal methods and human volunteers.

The dogs adopted from research programs, including those recently released from Ridglan Farms, are healthy, social, and loving animals because of the dedicated care they received from veterinarians, animal care professionals, and staff throughout their lives. The successful transition of research dogs into homes reflects the strong standards of care and commitment to animal well-being that exist within responsible research and breeding programs.

Everyone loves dogs and wants what is best for them. Whether someone works in research or not, we all share the same hopes: healthy lives for our families, effective treatments for our pets, and medical progress when illness strikes. At the same time, society depends on continued scientific advancement to develop new cures, vaccines, and therapies for both people and animals.

Today, achieving those breakthroughs still requires a combination of approaches, including animal research, non-animal technologies, and studies involving human volunteers. While the scientific community continues working to accelerate the development of alternative methods, it is important to do so realistically and responsibly. Until science reaches a point where animals are no longer needed in some areas of research, we must continue to honor and care for the animals that contribute to this essential work with compassion, respect, and the highest standards of welfare.

Download a PDF of the statement here.

Washington, D.C. — April 21. Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) issued a statement responding to the FDA’s “Year 1” roadmap update on reducing animal testing in drug development. The statement highlights concerns about inconsistencies between the agency’s public messaging and its own scientific guidance and review practices.

AMP emphasizes that, “For FDA’s roadmap to succeed, its implementation must be as honest as its aspirations are ambitious.” Ensuring alignment between public messaging and scientific reality is essential to maintaining trust, protecting patient safety, and clearly communicating the continued importance of animal research in drug development.

View AMP’s statement here.

Washington, D.C. — March 18 — Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) submitted formal comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in response to its Request for Information (RFI) soliciting comments regarding standards of care of dog breeding, exercise, and socialization.

In its response, AMP emphasized that purpose-bred dog breeding programs operate under a robust oversight framework and that animal care decisions must remain grounded in veterinary expertise and the principles of the 3Rs. AMP urged USDA to maintain flexible, performance-based standards rather than adopt rigid, one-size-fits-all requirements that may not account for differences in breed, facility design, and animal needs.

While purpose-bred breeding programs represent a highly specialized and limited component of the U.S. biomedical research infrastructure, their contributions to supporting essential research across the country remain indispensable. Maintaining flexible regulatory approaches that enable veterinarians and trained animal care professionals to make personalized decisions will promote high animal welfare standards and improve scientific research that advances medicine and veterinary health.

Read AMP’s RFI response here.

The agencies released new industry guidance and research grants

March 18, 2026

Excerpts:

WASHINGTON — The Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday announced several initiatives to try to reduce reliance on animal testing in drug development.

The Food and Drug Administration released draft guidance meant to help drug companies explore new ways to assess the safety and efficacy of their products without using animals. And the National Institutes of Health said it has offered more than $150 million to institutions working on new research methods that better simulate human biology.

HHS has made reducing animal testing a priority over the past year. In April 2025, the FDA announced it would phase out the animal testing requirement for monoclonal antibodies. A few months later, the NIH said it would no longer fund research projects that rely solely on animal testing.

Researchers have historically tested their products in animals before moving onto human clinical trials, but recent studies have shown that the majority of drugs that work on animals are ultimately not proven to work on humans. This can lead to increased research costs, and unnecessary cruelty towards animals, activists say.

Scientists have slowly started transitioning towards other types of preclinical tests, testing products with artificial intelligence or lab-grown cell structures intended to mimic certain organs. But HHS wants to jumpstart the process.

….

Biomedical research group Americans for Medical Progress said the FDA and NIH should not discount animal testing in cases where such research is necessary.

“A balanced approach that integrates new tools without prematurely sidelining established models will be critical to maintaining both scientific rigor and patient safety,” said Naomi Charalambakis, director of communications and science policy at AMP.

Read more

Lizzy Lawrence, FDA Reporter, STAT

AMP Urges Protecting Access to Animal Models and Research Infrastructure to Ensure Framework’s Success

Washington, D.C. — February 24 — AMP issued a statement welcoming the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) new draft framework for individualized rare disease therapies. As policymakers work to accelerate promising new treatments, AMP underscores the importance of protecting the research models and infrastructure that make these advances possible, particularly nonhuman primates. AMP cautions that ongoing federal actions may undermine the framework’s successful implementation.

View AMP’s comments here.

AMP’s Written Comments Raise Concerns Over Resolution That Risks Undermining Both Animal Welfare and Critical Research Capacity

Washington, D.C. — February 8, 2026 — Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) submitted formal comments to Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) regarding the proposed resolution (updated on February 8; original version here) to negotiate a transition of the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) to a sanctuary.

AMP noted that the current process prioritizes animal sanctuary and protection perspectives while lacking equivalent engagement from the scientific, veterinary, and research communities responsible for the animals’ care and the center’s national mission.

AMP also warned that the compressed 180-day timeline is insufficient to evaluate the long-term scientific, workforce, animal welfare, and public health consequences of permanently altering a federally supported research center.

Finally, AMP’s comments emphasized that moving forward under the current structure is inconsistent with recent Congressional direction and NIH policy statements that highlight the continued importance of centralized primate research infrastructure.

To ensure a responsible path forward, AMP recommended a phased, multi-year review that includes full expert consultation and a transparent evaluation of the readiness of non-animal methods. Future decisions should align with Congressional direction, NIH stated priorities, and the long-term research capacity needed to advance medical progress.

View a PDF copy of AMP’s comments here.

Washington, D.C. – January 28, 2026 – Taylor Woodward, Ph.D., a neuroscientist, educator, and musician, has been awarded the inaugural CPDD/AMP Animal Research Policy Fellowship. The fellowship is a partnership between The College on Problems of Drug Dependence and Americans for Medical Progress (AMP). The fellowship aims to cultivate the next generation of science policy advocates dedicated to promoting the essential role of animal research in addressing drug use and use disorders.

Animal models remain a cornerstone of research into the neurobiological and behavioral underpinnings of substance use disorders. However, these critical tools face growing scrutiny through legislative, policy, and public pressure. There is a clear and urgent need for scientists—particularly those early in their careers—to gain direct experience in the policy landscape and become equipped to advocate effectively for the continued use of humane and ethical animal research in this space.

This fellowship will provide emerging scientists with mentorship, experience, and training at the intersection of science, policy, and advocacy, ensuring the continued advancement of research that informs solutions to pressing public health challenges.

Dr. Woodward believes that “animal models are indispensable for understanding how drugs affect the nervous system, and the more we understand addiction neurobiology, the more we can provide new and better strategies to alleviate problems associated with substance use disorders.”  He looks forward to partnering with policymakers to facilitate scientific research. He shares that he is “excited for the unique mentored opportunity to learn how scientists can advocate for policies regarding the ethical use of animals in addiction research as a part of the CPDD/AMP Animal Research Policy Fellowship.”

Dr. Woodward studies how chronic opioid use alters signaling lipids, a class of molecules that regulate neurotransmission and inflammation. He is currently an Assistant Research Scientist at Indiana University-Bloomington. He has spent over a decade using preclinical animal models to uncover mechanisms of addiction and explore potential treatments for substance use disorders. Taylor earned a dual Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Psychology from IU Bloomington and has authored/co-authored 17 peer-reviewed articles in academic journals. Passionate about bridging science and society, he shares original songs about the brain through music videos online as well as locally at outreach events.

For more information about the CPDD/AMP Animal Research Policy Fellowship, visit our webpage.

About The College on Problems of Drug Dependence

The College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD), established in 1929, is the longest-standing group in the United States addressing problems of drug and substance use, dependence, and addiction research. From 1929 until 1976, the CPDD was associated with the National Academy of Sciences, National Research Council. Since 1976, the organization has functioned as an independent body affiliated with other scientific and professional societies representing various disciplines concerned with problems of drug use and use disorders. In 1991, the CPDD evolved into a membership organization with the new name of College on Problems of Drug Dependence. Currently, CPDD has over 1,000 members. The organization serves as an interface among government, industry, and academic communities, maintaining liaisons with regulatory and research agencies as well as education, treatment, and prevention facilities in the field of drug use and use disorders. Learn more at cpdd.org.

About Americans for Medical Progress

Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) is a nonprofit, health research advocacy group that supports the advancement of human and animal medicine through responsible and highly regulated research in animals.  AMP informs the public about animal-based research through outreach events like Biomedical Research Awareness Day, news and opinion articles, social media interactions and various online and printed publications. AMP is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity supported by the nation’s top universities, private research facilities, research-related businesses, scientific and professional societies, as well as by foundation grants and contributions by individuals. AMP’s Board of Directors is composed of physicians, researchers, veterinarians, and university officials. Learn more at amprogress.org.

Download the press release here.

January 26, 2026

Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) submitted formal comments to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) regarding its proposed reorganization of the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives (DPCPSI), including the establishment of the Office of Research Innovation, Validation, and Application (ORIVA).

In our comments, AMP expressed support for NIH’s efforts to strengthen scientific innovation and regulatory translation, while emphasizing the need for a balanced, evidence-based research ecosystem that integrates New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) alongside essential animal models. AMP offered several recommendations to help ensure ORIVA’s long-term effectiveness, scientific credibility, and public trust.

AMP’s Key Recommendations

1. Adopt a standardized definition of NAMs grounded in the full 3Rs (Replace, Reduce, Refine), not replacement alone.
2. Establish a third ORIVA division dedicated to scientific integration across NAMs and animal models.
3. Ensure ORIVA staffing reflects the full range of scientific and veterinary expertise necessary for implementation.
4. Strengthen stakeholder communication while setting realistic expectations about scientific readiness and limitations.

A PDF copy of AMP’s comments is available here.