NIA Mutant Mouse Aging Colony Handbook
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) supports a colony of aged mutant and transgenic mice for NIH-supported research directly related to the biology of aging. The mice are raised by the NIA's contractor, Taconic Farms, in Specific Pathogen-Free (SPF) barrier facilities. The strains in the mutant mouse aging colony have been donated by the investigators who developed the models, and those investigators are still the legally recognized owners of the intellectual property. The purpose of this colony is solely to supply aged mice for NIH-supported research using these models of aging and age-related diseases.
A Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) is required to purchase the mice (a one-time requirement per strain). There are restrictions to the use of this colony as described in the MTA. These restrictions include a prohibition against breeding the mice purchased from the NIA Mutant Mouse Aging Colony, agreement that the mice will not be used for commercial purposes, and agreement that the mice and all derivatives will not be transferred to third parties. The restrictions are further spelled out in the MTA.
