Research Animals´ Key Role in COVID-19 Investigations

Research animals are proving key to understanding the pathology of the COVID-19 virus, and development of treatments, preventive measures, and possible cures. Building on research begun with animal models during the SARS and MERS epidemics, information from a variety of species are assisting scientists conducting investigations on coronaviruses.

The European Animal Research Association (EARA) has set up an interactive map that shows what research with animal models is being conducted around the globe to tackle the current pandemic. To see the map, click here.  To contribute information from your research institution to appear on the map, contact info@eara.eu

A recent example of important work in understanding why coronavirus causes more serious disease in older individuals comes from Peking Union Medical College in Beijing, China. Former ICLAS Governing Board member Professor Qin Chuan led a team that compared COVID-19 pathology in young versus old macaques. The report from Animal Models and Experimental Medicine may be found here.

Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) is also providing regularly-updated resources to assist the research community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Information from AMP may be accessed here.