Supporting CDC's Elimination of Research on Nonhuman Primates

To  The  Editor—We read with interest Chan's “The Contribution and Importance of Animal Research in HIV Prevention in the United States” [1]. We understand that experiments using “nonhuman primate models” led to advances in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevention in humans. We, however, applaud the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for eliminating studies involving nonhuman primates [2].The historical importance of nonhuman primate research in HIV prevention is not in dispute. The question is whether that history justifies its continuation. The article's central claim, that eliminating nonhuman primate research will “hamper future innovation,” rests on an unproven assumption that past contribution entails present necessity. Scientific methods evolve. The fact that macaque “models” were instrumental in developing HIV preexposure and postexposure prophylaxis does not dictate that current or future research questions cannot be investigated through humane alternatives.