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.

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. 

The letter encourages federal agencies to consider the new United Kingdom roadmap as a model for balanced, collaborative, and evidence-based progress

November 25, 2025

Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) transmitted a letter to National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, Dr. Nicole Kleinstreuer, and Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary urging the development of a coordinated national strategy on New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). The letter points to the United Kingdom’s newly released national roadmap on replacing animals in science as a constructive model for balanced, realistic, and evidence-driven progress.

AMP emphasizes that the UK framework stands out for its collaborative approach and its acknowledgment that, while alternatives are rapidly advancing, animal studies remain necessary where methods are not yet validated or safe.

The letter calls for a U.S. strategy that strengthens interagency coordination, aligns communication and regulatory expectations, and supports integrative research approaches rather than exclusionary policies.

AMP welcomes the opportunity to partner with federal agency leadership and scientific stakeholders to ensure the responsible advancement of non-animal innovation while protecting scientific integrity and public trust.

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

November 24, 2025

Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) is closely monitoring reports regarding a directive for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to end its primate research program. Changes to federal agency animal research programs require extensive preparation, specialized expertise, and long-term resources to safeguard the welfare of these animals and protect the integrity of ongoing public health research. As the process moves forward, AMP encourages agencies to collaborate with laboratory animal experts and engage in careful planning that supports safe and compassionate outcomes. Our full statement is available here, and below.

Statement from Americans for Medical Progress on Responsible Primate Retirement Planning

Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) affirms the critical importance of responsibly rehoming and retiring eligible animals involved in research and recognizes the extensive planning, resources, and expertise required to do so safely. The reported directive for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to end primate research and retire its current colony raises significant biomedical, logistical, and financial concerns that warrant careful consideration.

While details remain unclear at this stage, poorly planned transitions—including premature study termination—can place animals at serious risk and may undermine years of scientific investment intended to strengthen public health preparedness and advance lifesaving medical progress. Responsible animal retirement should be shaped by scientific expertise and welfare considerations, not by arbitrary timelines or expectations that do not reflect the needs of the animals.

Ensuring the long-term welfare of nonhuman primates demands more than simply identifying a new location. These animals have complex medical, behavioral, and social needs that require lifelong professional support, specialized facilities, individualized care planning, and stable financial resources. Although rehoming is always the preferred outcome when it can be achieved safely, it is not appropriate or possible for every animal. Age, medical conditions, social compatibility, and transport risks must guide these decisions on an individualized basis.

Organizations receiving these animals must demonstrate the capacity to maintain high standards of care, including veterinary expertise, adequate staffing levels, appropriate housing, and sustained funding. Many sanctuaries do not currently have this infrastructure and expertise, nor are they subject to the same regulatory requirements as federal and accredited research facilities.

AMP urges federal agencies to prioritize transparency, engage collaboratively with affected stakeholders, and ensure decisions are informed by the expertise of veterinarians, behaviorists, and animal care professionals. Our community shares a common goal: supporting every animal in receiving the safest and most compassionate outcome possible. Honoring this commitment requires preparation and principled decision-making informed by evidence, expertise, and realistic capacity.

September 2, 2025

Washington, D.C. — Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) submitted written comments to the Scientific Advisory Committee on Alternative Toxicological Methods (SACATM), which oversees the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM), in advance of its September 11-12, 2025, meeting. With ICCVAM poised to play a larger role across federal research agencies, AMP emphasized the importance of balanced, evidence-based policies that integrate New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) while continuing to recognize the essential role of animal models.

AMP’s comments included three recommendations:

1. Establish a standardized definition of NAMs;
2. Ensure ICCVAM’s expansion is supported by commensurate expertise and resources necessary to address biomedical research broadly;
3. Provide clear communication and set realistic expectations for NAMs.

These recommendations reflect AMP’s commitment to advancing policies where NAMs and animal studies complement–rather than compete with–each other to drive biomedical progress.

Read AMP’s full public comments here. To listen to the SACATM meeting, click here.

July 23, 2025

Washington, D.C. — Earlier this week, Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) submitted written comments to the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM) Public Forum 2025. This annual event brings together a range of stakeholders, including multiple federal agencies, to exchange information and advance efforts related to non-animal methods and the integration of the 3Rs (reduce, refine, replace) in both biomedical and toxicological research.

AMP’s comments builds on its previous feedback to the joint workshop organized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) earlier this month. Given ICCVAM’s role as a trusted convener and facilitator of discussions at the intersection of animal and non-animal research, AMP offered the following three recommendations:

1. Establish a standardized definition of NAMs;

2. Promote understanding of federal policy changes; and

3. Proactively engage with the veterinary and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) community.

To further highlight these priorities, AMP also delivered oral comments during the forum.

Read AMP’s full public comments here. As the research landscape continues to evolve, AMP is committed to ensuring that the models we use and promote in biomedical research serve the science, not define it.

Washington, D.C. — On July 11, Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) submitted comments to the FDA and NIH in response to their recent joint workshop on “Reducing Animal Testing.” While we support efforts to advance scientifically validated New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), AMP emphasized the need for greater clarity, transparency, and stakeholder engagement as policy shifts begin to take shape.

During the workshop, NIH announced it is building on its previously stated commitment—first outlined in April—to prioritize human-relevant research approaches. While we appreciate this update and NIH’s swift actions to ensure funding opportunities reflect the full spectrum of modern scientific tools, the announcement raises numerous questions about implementation, the peer review process, and how these changes may affect basic science research.

AMP’s comments focus on three core recommendations:

1. Clarify recent policy updates and collect public input for future changes;

2. Prioritize stakeholder engagement and transparency to achieve meaningful culture change; and

3. Ensure peer review changes do not introduce new biases that could hinder biomedical progress

Read our full submission here.

AMP remains committed to ensuring that both animal and non-animal research tools are supported and evaluated based on scientific merit and real-world utility.

Mackenzie Joe Selected as 2025 John Young Science Policy and Communications Summer Fellow

Washington, D.C. – June 16, 2025 — Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) is proud to welcome Mackenzie Joe as the 2025 Summer Fellow for the Inaugural John Young Science Policy and Communications Fellowship. This program offers early-career scientists a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of biomedical research, public policy, and science communication.

Mackenzie is currently pursuing an MD/MPH dual degree at McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. Mackenzie Joe, MD/MPH Candidate, McGovern Medical School

Mackenzie Joe is pursuing a dual degree in medicine and public health at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She earned her bachelor’s degree in anthropology with a specialization in global health and environment, along with a second major in healthcare management, from Washington University in St. Louis. This interdisciplinary training sparked her interest in infectious disease, immunology, and dermatology.

During her undergraduate years, Mackenzie participated in a global public health research fellowship in Iganga, Uganda, where she explored strategies to reduce mental health stigma in local communities. Inspired by that experience, she now focuses on the intersection of dermatological conditions and social determinants of health, as well as how research, health policy, and public health efforts can improve outcomes in the United States.

In the future, Mackenzie plans to practice medicine and conduct research while advocating for equitable healthcare solutions for underserved and marginalized communities.

As an AMP Fellow, Mackenzie will engage in policy and legislative analysis, attend Capitol Hill hearings, grow science communication skills, monitor anti-research challenges, and practice writing science policy-related materials. She will also lead an independent capstone project that aligns with her career interests in advancing global public health. The fellowship, held virtually with opportunities for in-person engagement in D.C., emphasizes real-world advocacy skills and professional development.

The Fellowship honors the late Dr. John Young, VMD, MS, DACLAM. John served as AMP’s Board chair for over a decade, from 2001 to 2012. He was a leader in advocacy and played a prominent role in the development of many innovative initiatives to support and protect biomedical research. Read more about Dr. Young here.

For more information about the AMP Science Policy and Communications Fellowship, visit our webpage.

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 and policymakers about animal-based research through outreach events like Biomedical Research Awareness Day, news and opinion articles, social media interactions, and policy Requests for Information. AMP is 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.

May 12, 2025

Americans for Medical Progress submitted a letter to NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, regarding its newly announced initiative to prioritize human-based research technologies while reducing the use of animals.

The letter, which was also shared with Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of the Department of Health and Human Services, emphasizes AMP’s support for a balanced and evidence-based transition into the next generation of biomedical research. But this shift must be comprehensive, transparent, and inclusive of the scientific resources and knowledge at our disposal, including ongoing work with animals. By combining the strengths of both traditional and emerging methodologies—alongside continual stakeholder input—we can uphold the health and safety of both people and animals and drive science forward in a responsible manner

To achieve this, AMP provides six recommendations:

1. Commit to an integrative approach to ensure stronger science.
2. Address infrastructure and knowledge gaps alongside interagency inconsistencies.
3. Sustain and implement recommendations from the 2021 NIH Advisory Committee to the Director (ACD) animal research working group report.
4. Establish a NAMs rigor and reproducibility task force.
5. Preserve peer review quality and integrity.
6. Demonstrate commitment to the 3Rs through practice, not numbers.

Download a PDF copy of AMP’s letter here.

April 16, 2025

On April 16, Americans for Medical Progress issued the following statement regarding recent announcements from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) related to reducing animal research.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) affirms the essential role of animals in biomedical research and recognizes the growing momentum toward reducing and eventually replacing animals in areas of research where it is scientifically appropriate. This effort is evident in the recent announcements made by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to discontinue certain animal tests. As a national advocacy organization, we support strong science that generates safe, effective advancements for human and animal health. This includes the development of new approach methodologies (NAMs) that are highly valuable for preliminary studies and increasingly serve as complementary tools alongside animal studies, enhancing our ability to gather robust, multidimensional data throughout the scientific process.

The FDA’s recent announcement to phase out animal testing requirements for monoclonal antibody therapies marks an admirable advancement, demonstrating the significant progress in science, technology, and medicine thanks to animal research. While some view this as a major policy shift, this change actually reflects the scientific community’s longstanding and ongoing commitment to integrate NAMs when it is scientifically appropriate and safe to do so. However, while NAMs are rapidly advancing and offer exciting potential, they are not yet capable of fully replacing animal studies across all areas of biomedical research and safety testing. These emerging tools still require rigorous validation to ensure they can consistently replicate the complexity of living systems.

Therefore, we are concerned that a premature or overly broad phaseout of animal studies with arbitrary timelines could unintentionally compromise the health and safety of both humans and animals. For example, the FDA’s Roadmap to Reducing Animal Testing in Preclinical Safety Studies states, “In the long-term (3-5 years), FDA will aim to make animal studies the exception rather than the norm for pre-clinical safety/toxicity testing.” Although this objective is well-intentioned, it represents an impractical and short-sighted approach because scientific progress does not adhere to rigid timelines. Additionally, an accelerated plan could jeopardize research quality if scientists focus on fulfilling policy deadlines rather than prioritizing safety and scientific integrity.

Until NAMs are fully proven across a wide range of applications, it is critical that changes to longstanding research practices be implemented thoughtfully, transparently, and with the input of diverse stakeholders. This includes scientists developing non-animal methods, researchers who rely on these technologies in the lab, veterinarians and animal care staff with extensive knowledge of animal welfare, and industry sponsors who submit data (both animal and non-animal) to FDA for approval. Furthermore, public input must be a key component of this process to ensure that policy decisions are grounded in evidence and practicality.

Finally, any transition away from animal-based studies must include a clear and well-funded plan for the rehoming and long-term care of animals currently in research settings. Ensuring the health, comfort, and safety of these animals requires detailed logistics, adequate resources, and strong collaboration with sanctuaries, transport services, and animal care professionals.

AMP remains committed to advancing both science and animal welfare and believes these goals can and must be pursued together. We are prepared to engage constructively with regulatory agencies, researchers, and the public to help navigate this important step responsibly and ethically.

Download a PDF copy of AMP’s statement here.