Alpha Genesis
Alpha Genesis Incorporated (AGI) is a company in Yemassee, South Carolina that breeds cynomolgous, rhesus and capuchin monkeys for use in research. Led by CEO Dr. Greg Westergaard,[1] the company is one of the largest of its kind in the world.[2] It is a Class B dealer according to the United States Department of Agriculture.[3]
Facilities and operations
[edit]AGI operates multiple research and breeding facilities across South Carolina, encompassing large-scale primate enclosures, laboratory spaces, and research buildings. The company's facilities are designed to meet regulatory standards, including those set by the United States Department of Agriculture and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).[4]
AGI maintains colonies of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis), and other nonhuman primates used in biomedical research. The company employs veterinarians, research scientists, and animal care staff to ensure the well-being of its primate population and compliance with ethical research guidelines.[5]
Research and services
[edit]Alpha Genesis supports a broad range of biomedical and pharmaceutical research through its specialized services involving nonhuman primates (NHPs). These services are used by academic institutions, government agencies, and private-sector clients across various therapeutic areas.[6]
- Preclinical Drug Development: The company conducts pharmacokinetic (PK), toxicology, and safety studies to evaluate new pharmaceutical compounds before they advance to human trials. These studies are designed to meet regulatory requirements and help determine appropriate dosing, metabolism, and potential side effects of investigational drugs.[6]
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Research: The company provides support for research into cognitive function, affective disorders, and neurological conditions using primate models. Areas of focus include stress physiology, social behavior, learning and memory, and the biological mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric illnesses.[7]
- Genetic and Biomedical Research: Alpha Genesis contributes to studies in gene therapy, immune system disorders, and metabolic conditions such as diabetes and obesity. Its colonies offer access to animals with well-characterized genetics, enabling researchers to investigate disease mechanisms and test targeted interventions.[8]
- Custom Breeding Programs: The company maintains breeding colonies of rhesus and cynomolgus macaques that are free from specific pathogens and can be genetically selected to meet research needs. These programs support the development of consistent, high-quality animal models tailored to experimental protocols.[9]
2024 monkey escape and safe recapture
[edit]On November 6, 2024, after feeding 50 young female rhesus macaques at Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in Yemassee, South Carolina, a caretaker failed to latch the double doors to their enclosure, and 43 monkeys breached containment. To catch the monkeys, Company officials laid out traps with fresh fruit and vegetables,[10] and deployed infrared cameras.[1] By January 24, 2025 all 43 monkeys had been safely recaptured and all were in excellent health.[11] Immediately after the safe recapture of the 43 monkeys, animal rights extremist group PETA falsely claimed that Alpha Genesis senior management had lied about the safe return of the animals.[12] These false claims were debunked by the USDA in an inspection report following a subsequent visit to the facility.[13]
2025 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative and federal collaboration
[edit]In 2025, Alpha Genesis announced its participation in the federal “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, a national campaign focused on improving public health outcomes and increasing the efficiency of biomedical research infrastructure.[14] As part of this effort, the company reported expanding its work in neuroscience, behavioral science, and environmental health. Alpha Genesis emphasized its support for research into areas highlighted by federal policymakers, including the potential health effects of food additives and dyes, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and environmental exposures linked to neurological and developmental outcomes. The company also stated that it is pursuing work aimed at reducing regulatory inefficiencies in preclinical testing and improving the reproducibility of federally funded research. In coordination with federal agencies and National Primate Research Centers, Alpha Genesis has developed partnerships to consolidate the care and use of government-owned nonhuman primates. These efforts are intended to reduce taxpayer costs, improve oversight, and limit exposure to waste, fraud, and abuse within the federal research system by consolidating oversight and care of federally owned research animals under regulated, centralized management.[15]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Sang, Lucia Suarez; Smith, Stephen (November 8, 2024). "What we know after 43 monkeys escaped a South Carolina research facility". CBS News.
- ^ Black, Mitchell; Wade, Jessica (November 6, 2024). "Great primate escape: Dozens of monkeys on lam from Lowcountry breeding facility". Post and Courier.
- ^ Smith, Patrick; Mullen, Austin; Madani, Doha (November 12, 2024). "Police hunt 43 monkeys that escaped from a South Carolina research facility". NBC News. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
- ^ "USAspending.gov". www.usaspending.gov. Retrieved March 5, 2025.
- ^ "Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center Celebrates Successful USDA Inspection".
- ^ a b "Alpha Genesis". Alpha Genesis. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
- ^ "Primates For Biomedical Research". Alpha Genesis. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
- ^ "Contract Research Services". Alpha Genesis. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
- ^ "Housing and CDC Quarantine". Alpha Genesis. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
- ^ Rosenbluth, Teddy (November 7, 2024). "A Door Is Unlocked, and 43 Monkeys Make a Bid for Freedom". The New York Times. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
- ^ Betts, Anna (November 15, 2024). "Curious case of the missing monkeys turns spotlight on South Carolina lab". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
- ^ "Prove It: PETA Wants Proof Alpha Genesis Escaped Monkeys Were Recaptured". PETA. January 30, 2025. Retrieved March 5, 2025.
- ^ mblack@postandcourier.com, Marilyn W. Thompson and Mitchell Black mthompson@postandcourier com (February 12, 2025). "USDA does not assign 'critical violation' to Alpha Genesis after third monkey escape in past decade". Post and Courier. Retrieved March 5, 2025.
- ^ "Alpha Genesis Joins National Effort to Make America Healthy Again". accessnewswire.com.
- ^ "Alpha Genesis Proposes Innovative Management Model to Transform National Primate Research Centers". BioSpace. March 6, 2025. Retrieved May 2, 2025.