Amami Laboratory of Medical Science

The Amami Laboratory of Injurious Animals, which was decedent from the Oshima branch laboratory of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, was established in 1965 in order to study on endemic diseases in the tropics. The successful eradication of filariasis from this island and the studies on antisera for treatment of Habu bites are the monumental works of this laboratory.
In our facility, BSL-2 and BSL-3 grade laboratories have been equipped as the primate research center of the International Research Center for Infectious Diseases from 2005. Our laboratory is the unique International Joint Usage and Research Center capable of infection experiment using non-human primates. We have conducted medical research in non-human primates to assess the pathogenicity of various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, together with various domestic and foreign research institutions. In addition, research such as regenerative medicine, reproductive engineering, etc., in which our monkeys become suitable experimental models are also conducting at our laboratory.