Primate Unit and Delft Animal Centre
Primate Unit and Delft Animal Centre (PUDAC) is a specialized research animal facility and an intramural unit of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). With a mandate to conduct pre-clinical research, PUDAC plays a vital role in supporting national health priorities and global scientific advancement. The facility is registered with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) as a research institution.
Key focus areas
PUDAC is committed to:
- Providing the infrastructure and resources necessary for the care, maintenance and validation of laboratory animals used in biomedical research.
- Delivering technical and scientific support services for pre-clinical testing of new drugs and vaccine.
- Supporting drug and vaccine development initiatives, including those based on African Traditional Medicines (ATM) initiatives.
- Fostering collaborations with local and international academic and research institutions.
- Promoting research capacity development and transformation through training and mentorship opportunities
- Conducting self-initiated pre-clinical and translational research in diverse fields, including immunology/vaccinology.
As part of its core business, PUDAC provides:
- Specialized research facilities tailored to meet diverse research needs.
- Establishment and validation of specialised animal models to support cutting-edge biomedical research.
- Collaborative and contract research support services, including:
- Preclinical studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of new treatments and vaccines (PK, PD, and toxicity).
- Comprehensive imaging services for small to large animal models, including advanced image interpretation using the Vevo F200 imaging system.
- Trusted SAVC-registered facility
- Proven expertise in drug and vaccine development
- Strong track record in capacity building and collaboration