We investigated the effect of estrogen withdrawal on bone tissue in adult female marmoset monkeys. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal tibia and the second-last lumbar vertebral body was monitored before and up to 12 months after ovariectomy. All animals lost BMD in proximal tibia, but not in the vertebra. This supports the idea that ovariectomized marmoset monkeys may serve as a model for anti-osteoporosis drug testing.

Stem-cell-based regenerative therapies in patients, e.g., for a failing heart or Parkinson's disease, are within reach. However, studies in appropriate animal models are required to make the final step to the clinic. In this context, the baboon may represent a valuable animal model for specific purposes. Here, we generated five so-called induced pluripotent stem cell lines from the baboon, which may be useful for preclinical testing of the respective therapeutic approaches.