As part of ongoing efforts to reduce the use of animals in research and refine animal research practices, a collaborative team from The Institute and ɬ has developed a minimally invasive method for collecting oocytes from common marmosets, improving procedural efficiency and animal welfare aligned with the principles of the
The study, led by Vilceu Bordignon, PhD, DVM, at ɬ’s Macdonald Campus in collaboration with of the at The Institute and the Institute’s under the leadership of Lucie Côté, DVM, MBA, describes the adaptation of laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU) for use in marmosets. Combined with optimized hormonal stimulation, the refined protocol supported embryo development through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), resulting in successful pregnancies and live births in proof-of-concept experiments. Together, these advances provide a more practical and scalable approach for generating genetically modified marmoset models, which are increasingly used to study complex human diseases.
Published in Lab Animal, the work was featured on the journal’s January cover, recognizing its contribution to advances in laboratory animal science.
Refining established approaches
Common marmosets are particularly valuable for studying neurological and genetic disorders due to their physiological and developmental similarities to humans. Traditionally, oocyte collection in this species has required open abdominal surgery, limiting repeat procedures and increasing surgical burden.
The research team evaluated whether minimally invasive laparoscopy — widely used in veterinary reproductive medicine — could be adapted for marmosets without compromising oocyte quality or developmental potential. Hormonal stimulation protocols were modified to improve consistency and efficiency. The minimally invasive approach also supports faster recovery, allowing animals to return more quickly to their normal behavior.
By enabling multiple collections from the same animal without compromising health, welfare or reproductive outcomes, the method reduces the number of animals needed for research and refines how procedures are performed, in line with the principles of the 3Rs (specifically Reduction and Refinement).
Animal care and research standards
All procedures were conducted under approved institutional animal use protocols in accordance with national guidelines. The work reflects The Institute’s ongoing commitment to the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) and to continually improving how animals are cared for and used in research.
By replacing open surgery with a minimally invasive technique and enabling repeated procedures in the same animals, the protocol helps minimize discomfort and recovery time while supporting responsible use of animals in research. “This project is a great collaboration between the research team and the veterinary care team. We are always looking for ways to reduce the impact of research on the animals in our care. Approaches like this allow us to make procedures less invasive and support faster recovery, while still advancing important scientific work,” explains Dr. Côté.
About the publication
“Efficient production of common marmoset embryos with in vitro fertilization and somatic cell nuclear transfer following optimized hormonal stimulation and laparoscopic oocyte collection” by Baldassarre H., Glanzner W.G., Gutierrez K., Raja R., Fok A.H.K., Shea A., Pellegrin A., Cozma I., Côté L., Murai K., Bordignon V. was published in Lab Animal (2026).
Position Statement on the use of Animals in Biomedical Research, The Institute
The Institute recognizes animal research remains essential to advancing medical knowledge and improving human health. Research involving animals contributes to the understanding of complex diseases and the development of new treatments.
Animal research at The Institute is conducted only when no suitable alternative exists. We are firmly committed to the ethical and responsible use of animals in research, upholding the highest standards of care and welfare. All animal-based research is reviewed and approved through rigorous institutional oversight and complies fully with the guidelines of the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC), which provides national oversight of animal-based scientific activities in Canada.
Animal research at The Institute is conducted in specialized facilities by trained personnel, under the supervision of qualified veterinarians. Guided by the principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (the Three Rs), we work continuously to minimize animal use and improve animal wellbeing.
Guided by transparency, accountability, and compassion, the Institute ensures that animal research is conducted with rigor, integrity, and respect.
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