Disease Models
About Us
Texas Biomedical Research Institute (Texas Biomed) is dedicated to protecting the global community from infectious diseases. Through basic research, preclinical testing and applied innovation, we accelerate diagnostics, therapies and vaccines for a wide range of pathogens, from Anthrax to Zika.
Texas Biomed is the nation’s only nonprofit, independent research institute with the highest-level biocontainment laboratories, a national primate research center and over 80 years of experience. Scientists at our 200-acre campus collaborate with academic institutes, the military, pharmaceutical companies, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), biotech start-ups and many others.
SPECIES AVAILABLE RELATIVE TO BIOSAFETY LEVELS AND PATHOGENS
The translation of basic biomedical knowledge to prevention or treatments of human diseases often requires the use of animals, tissues or cells as models. Such models provide valuable insights into the basic biology of disease, diagnosis and treatment in humans. New and evolving animal models are needed to better recapitulate human disease phenotypes and to broaden the utility of these models for biomedical research. Measurable animal phenotypes, which may be different from or related to particular human disease conditions, are valuable for understanding the etiology of disease and for testing potential therapies.
At Texas Biomed and our Southwest National Primate Research Center (SNPRC), we specialize in animal research to aid in the study of a number of infectious diseases, as well as chronic human disease conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. We can adapt our expertise to many species for the purposes of discovery, refinement and pre-clinical applications. Our team of highly skilled scientists, veterinarians and technical staff is available to accommodate needs and has the necessary resources and skills to work with prospective clients in the development of new and improved platforms to suit all areas of biomedical research.
Texas Biomed has developed a vast array of rodent and nonhuman primate (NHP) animal models and interventions for Biosafety Level 2, 3 and 4 agents. We have acquired and are proficient with many of the CDC Select Agent list of pathogens, including both viral and bacterial select agents. We have the capacity to perform telemetry on several of our animal models. We have a sophisticated and experienced veterinary staff that is cross-trained to work with pathogens of interest.
SNPRC has two scientific divisions: “Infectious Diseases Immunology and Control” and “Comparative Medicine and Health Outcomes.” SNPRC is supported by the NIH to fulfill the mission of providing NHP resources to scientists nationally. These resources include the development of NHP models in these broad areas of research, and providing expertise and resources to collaborating investigators. The SNPRC Research Advisory Committee (RAC) oversees all NHP model development according to the guidelines provided by the NIH.