Pharmacology research grant awarded

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The Veterinary Pharmacology Research Foundation and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Foundation recently awarded the second research grant focusing exclusively on veterinary pharmacology. A grant of nearly $18,000 was awarded to Drs. Butch KuKanich and Kate KuKanich from Kansas State University to study the effect of cytochrome P450 inhibition on the disposition and pharmacologic effects of tramadol in dogs.

Twelve high-quality research proposals were submitted for evaluation by the scientific review committee. Investigators were encouraged to submit proposals that focused on research to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of therapies for veterinary species, explore new drug therapies for animals, develop and validate models of animal diseases or conditions, or ensure that a safe food supply is not compromised by drug therapy. These areas focus exclusively on unmet needs in veterinary medicine that are often overlooked by other funding sources.

The VPRF was formed in 2008 by members of the American Academy of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics and the American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology who recognized that the lack of research funding was limiting growth in the field of veterinary pharmacology. This grant was made possible by donations from the AAVPT, Pfizer Animal Health, Torpac Inc, Pennfield Animal Health, Nexcyon Pharmaceuticals, and individual members of the AAVPT and ACVCP. The partnership between VPRF and ACVIMF builds on a longstanding relationship between veterinary pharmacologists and internists that promotes scientifically sound and humane research on drug therapy for animal diseases and training of future scientists.

Established in 2000, the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose main purpose is to fund studies that lead to new diagnostic, treatment, and prevention techniques; to support the education of new specialists; and to increase public awareness of veterinary specialty medicine. Since 2002, the ACVIM Foundation has awarded more than $1 million to fund 63 studies and three fellowships.