Examples of Specific Benefits that Primate Research at Texas Biomed Has Provided to Humanity

High-Frequency Ventilator

Studies with premature baboons enabled researchers to refine the technique of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, which is used to save the lives of thousands of premature babies and minimize lung damage in these children.

Surfactant

Basic physiological research with premature baboons advanced the development of a natural product called surfactant to prevent lung damage complications in premature newborn babies. Surfactant is now given to all premature infants as an aerosol.

Bone Healing

Research with baboons and chimpanzees established that a mixture of specific proteins and a matrix material can dramatically hasten the restructuring of bone after surgery or accidental breakage. It is expected that this product will soon become widely used and that it will greatly reduce recovery time after bone breakage or surgery.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Much of the work involved in developing a hepatitis B vaccine was done with chimpanzees at Texas Biomed. Safety and efficacy testing of the first hepatitis B vaccine also was done at the Institute. An improved, safer vaccine has since been developed, and its efficacy also was established in research with chimpanzees at Texas Biomed.