STAT+: CDC plans to transfer monkeys to nonprofit’s sanctuary as it seeks to reduce animal testing

STAT PlusExclusive CDC plans to transfer monkeys to nonprofit’s sanctuary as it seeks to reduce animal testing The agency is trying to move quickly due to the ‘compelling urgency’ of finding housing for the monkeys Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanMay 14, 2026 Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed Silverman[email protected]Ed Silverman, a senior writer and Pharmalot columnist at STAT, has been covering the pharmaceutical industry for nearly three decades. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. As part of efforts to phase out the use of monkeys in research, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention intends to transfer more than 160 macaques to Born Free USA, a nonprofit that runs a large primate sanctuary in Texas. The agency is trying to move quickly due to the “unusual and compelling urgency” of finding housing for the monkeys, according to a notice about the proposed contract that was posted on a procurement website run by the General Services Administration. Advertisement A timeline for the transfer was not specified but the agency is accepting responses until May 28. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In biotechnology, CDC, Pharmaceuticals, Policy, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Ed Silverman Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed Silverman, a senior writer and Pharmalot columnist at STAT, has been covering the pharmaceutical industry for nearly three decades. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. Newsletter From the lab to the medicine chest, these are the must-read drug industry updates of the day Recommended Exclusive May 14, 2026 STAT Plus: CREATE Medicines, a biotech company developing CAR-T therapies, raises $122 million Exclusive May 13, 2026 STAT Plus: What the Trump administration wants in its next FDA leader Advertisement Exclusive May 13, 2026 STAT Plus: Bill Cassidy risked his legacy. It may not be enough to save his career Exclusive May 11, 2026 STAT Plus: Medicare is spending far less than expected on new Alzheimer’s drugs Exclusive May 7, 2026 Official leading CDC’s cruise ship program retires Subscriber Picks