The Winn Feline Foundation, in a unique funding opportunity sponsored by Zoetis Inc., announced today a call for proposals to address the assessment of pain, osteoarthritis, joint health and kidney disease in cats. A total of $100,000 is available to fund proposals of sufficient scientific merit, relevance and potential to impact feline health.
Consideration will be given to proposals investigating novel biomarkers for assessing acute or chronic adaptive pain and maladaptive (i.e., neuropathic or functional) pain in cats. Biomarkers for assessing osteoarthritis progression are also of interest. Scientifically sound projects that investigate the cause and progression of osteoarthritis in cats will also be considered, regardless of biomarker assessment.
Additionally, because methods for early detection and progression of feline chronic kidney disease are urgently needed, Zoetis and the Winn Feline Foundation are also soliciting proposals to identify systemic or urinary biomarkers for early detection or progression of chronic kidney disease.
“As a science-based company, Zoetis is proud of its commitment to research and development. We do what it takes to help current and future veterinarians have the necessary tools to improve the quality and length of companion animals’ lives,” said Karen Greenwood, Unit Head, Companion Animal Internal Medicine, Global Therapeutic Research for Zoetis. “We’ve aligned with the Winn Feline Foundation to support their efforts to seek important research projects that will enhance feline medicine.”
Since its inception in 1968, the Winn Feline Foundation has awarded grants totaling more than $4.5 million for scientific studies, encouraging veterinarians and researchers to focus attention on the health needs of cats.
The joint grant program is a part of the Zoetis Commitment to Veterinarians™ platform—which offers support through training and education, research and development, investing in the future of the veterinary profession, and philanthropy. The grant complements a number of other Zoetis programs supporting the veterinary profession, including
millions invested in universities, industry education and training, scholarships, and allied organizations each year.
About Zoetis
Zoetis (zō-EH-tis) is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 60 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented by diagnostic products and genetic tests and supported by a range of services. In 2013, the company generated annual revenues of $4.6 billion. With approximately 9,800 employees worldwide at the beginning of 2014, Zoetis has a local presence in approximately 70 countries, including 28 manufacturing facilities in 11 countries. Its products serve veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals in 120 countries. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.
Zoetis is the proud sponsor with the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the American Veterinary Medical Association of the mobile educational exhibit Animal Connections: Our Journey Together. Families visiting the exhibit will explore the vast bonds between people and animals and learn about the important role veterinarians play in protecting animal and human health. For more information, visit https://www.zoetis.com/animal-connections-tour/.
About Winn Feline Foundation
The Winn Feline Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1968 that supports studies to improve cat health. Since 1968, the Winn Feline Foundation has funded more than $4.5 million in health research
for cats at more than 30 partner institutions worldwide. This funding is made possible through the support of dedicated donors and partners.
Research supported by the Winn Feline Foundation helps veterinarians to improve treatment of common feline health problems and prevent many diseases. For more information, visit www.winnfelinehealth.org.
