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From Nature to Lab: The Critical Role of Non-Human Primates in Biomedical Research

2025.11.07

Nature's "Superstars"

Non-human primates (NHPs), particularly monkeys, are among the most dynamic and intelligent creatures on Earth, renowned for their unique charm and diverse behavioral patterns.


From Behavioral Insight to Scientific Innovation

Monkeys are celebrated for their high intelligence and behavioral flexibility. They not only use tools and solve complex problems but also share significant similarities with humans in cognitive development. Consequently, they have long been indispensable models for studying human behavior and cognition. Their importance in biomedical research and novel drug development continues to grow. On June 2, 2023, a landmark study on primate genomics was featured on the cover of Science, further highlighting their unique status in the scientific community.


The landscape of tolerated genetic variation in humans and primates
A global catalog of whole-genome diversity from 233 primate species


Ideal Model Organisms: Cynomolgus and Rhesus Monkeys

Among NHPs, the Cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) and the Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) have emerged as the preferred model organisms due to their high degree of similarity to humans in genetics, physiology, immunology, biochemistry, and pathology.


Feature

Cynomolgus Monkey (Macaca fascicularis)

Rhesus Monkey (Macaca mulatta)

Coat Color

Diverse, ranging from gray-brown to reddish-brown.

Typically grayish-brown.

Size

Smaller. Adult males weigh ~ 4.8 - 7 kg; females ~ 3- 4 kg.

Larger. Adult males can reach 8 - 12 kg; females 4 - 7 kg.

Applications

Their smaller size leads to lower compound requirements, making them the primary choice for toxicology studies since the 1970s. They account for approximately 80-85% of NHPs used in research in China.

With a long history in research, they are extensively used in basic medicine, psychology, and neuroscience, and have even participated in spaceflight experiments.


In Vitro Hepatocyte Models

Primary hepatocytes isolated from both Cynomolgus and Rhesus monkeys are widely used in drug metabolism and toxicity assessment studies due to their high similarity to human hepatocytes in gene expression and metabolic function. These in vitro models provide a highly predictive platform for human response, enabling scientists to assess drug safety profiles and potential side effects more effectively during the preclinical research stage.


Milecell Bio: Your Partner in Research

Milecell Biotech provides high-quality primary hepatocytes and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) isolated from Cynomolgus and Rhesus monkeys, along with related subcellular products. Our products are designed to empower scientists and accelerate the pace of drug discovery and development.



Cat

Product

Size

Hepatocyte

CCH-100CYP-SQ

Cryopreserved Male Cynomolgus monkey Hepatocytes (pool ≥3),suspension grade

5M

CCH-100CYS-PQ

   Cryopreserved Male Cynomolgus monkey Hepatocytes (single),plateable grade

5M

CCH-100RMP-SQ

Cryopreserved Male Rhesus monkey Hep-atocytes(pool≥3),suspension grade

5M

CCH-100RMS-PQ

  Cryopreserved Male Rhesus monkey Hep-atocytes (single),plateable grade

5M

 Liver Microsomes, S9

LMCY-100P

Pooled Cynomolgus Monkey liver Microsomes

0.5 mL x 20 mg/mL

LSCY-100P

Pooled Cynomolgus Monkey liver S9 Fraction

0.5 mL x 20 mg/mL

LMRM-100P

Pooled Rhesus Monkey liver Microsomes

0.5mL x 20 mg/mL

LSRM-100P

Pooled Rhesus Monkey liver S9 Fraction

0.5 mLx 20 mg/mL

Intestinal Microsomes

IMCY-100P

Pooled Cynomolgus Monkey intestinal Microsomes

0.5 mL x 10 mg/mL

IMRM-100P

Pooled Rhesus Monkey intestinal Microsomes

0.5mL x 10 mg/mL



Service

Cat

Size

Status

Cynomolgus Moneky Peripheral 

CmPB005C

5 million /vial

Frozen

Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs)

CmPB0010C

10 million /vial

Frozen