DENVER/Updated September 12, 2022 - Morris Animal Foundation announced it is accepting research proposals to advance the field of feline oncology, with a preference for innovations likely to lead to significant advances in diagnosis or therapy. Proposals are due Monday, November 28, 2022, at 4:59 p.m. ET.
This request for proposals is funded by Blue Buffalo, a Morris Animal Foundation donor since 2006, and Canadian company Pet Valu through the Foundation’s Donor-Inspired Study program. Blue Buffalo has provided more than $6 million in funding for scientific research to improve the lives of cats and dogs.
“Cancer is a leading cause of death in cats, with one in five cats diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes,” said Dr. Janet Patterson-Kane, Morris Animal Foundation Chief Scientific Officer. “Unfortunately, we don’t see as much research dedicated to feline cancer as we do to canine cancer, and the Foundation is working to address this imbalance and improve care for our feline companions.”
Common cancers in cats include lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma, fibrosarcoma, injection-site sarcomas and mammary tumors. Outcomes for cats diagnosed vary with cancer type and stage at diagnosis, but more research is essential to advance diagnostic tools, treatment options, pain management and even cures.
“Blue Buffalo was founded on a promise made to a lovable Airedale named Blue who struggled with cancer, a leading cause of death in pets,” said Denise DeVeer, Canada National Accounts Manager, Blue Buffalo. “Delivering on that promise to end pet cancer continues to be at the heart of what we do every day as we make the best pet food possible for dogs and cats with high-quality, natural ingredients and support important research to help end the devastating effects of pet cancer.”
“Pet Valu understands the deep connection devoted pet lovers have with their pets and how difficult it is when a pet develops a serious illness,” says Tanbir Grover, Chief Digital and Marketing Officer, Pet Valu. “We are so thankful to the devoted pet lovers who helped us raise funds to support research that may advance diagnoses and enhance therapies for pet cancers in the future.”
Only investigators from Canadian institutions are eligible to apply to this RFP, and the research must be conducted in Canada. Research studies focused on other species or from other geographic regions will not be considered. The maximum project duration is 24 months, and the maximum study budget is $52,500 CAD ($41,777 USD). Applications will be reviewed and rated, based on impact and scientific rigor, by a scientific advisory board made up of subject matter experts. Interested researchers can find additional information, including award types and funding levels at Morris Animal Foundation Apply for a Grant.
Scientific Advisory Board
- Chair: Matthew Krecic, DVM, MS, MBA, Dipl ACVIM, Xeris Pharmaceuticals
- Alycen Lundberg, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), University of Illinois
- Anne Avery, VMD, PhD, Colorado State University
- Clare Knottenbelt, BVSc, MSc, DSAM, MRCVS, Hawk and Dove Vets
- Elena Contreras, DVM, MS, PhD, Long Island University
- Julia Beatty, BVetMed, PhD, FANZCVSc (Feline Medicine), MANZCVSc (Feline Medicine), City University of Hong Kong
- Kelly Hume, DVM, DACVIM, Cornell University
- Melanie Dobromylskyj, BSc Vet Path (Hons), BVSc, PhD, FRCPath, FRCVS, Finn Pathologists
- Owen Davies, MA, VetMB, MANZCVS (SAM), MVetMed, DECVIM-CA (Oncology), MRCVS, Highcroft Veterinary Referrals
About Morris Animal Foundation
Headquartered in Denver, and founded in 1948, Morris Animal Foundation is one of the largest nonprofit animal health research organizations in the world, funding more than $149 million in critical studies across a broad range of species. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org.
About Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo, the country’s #1 wholesome, natural pet food, was founded on a promise to a loveable Airdale named Blue who struggled with cancer. The brand’s mission to “Love them like family. Feed them like family.” has evolved into a whole new way of feeding pets. Since its founding in 2003, Blue Buffalo has upheld its True BLUE Promise to dog and cat pet parents – real meat as the first ingredient with NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, NO corn, wheat or soy, and NO artificial flavors or preservatives. The result is a portfolio of high-quality, natural food and treats that both dogs and cats love.
About Pet Valu
Pet Valu is Canada’s leading retailer of pet food and pet-related supplies with over 700 corporate-owned or franchised locations across the country. For more than 40 years, Pet Valu has earned the trust and loyalty of pet parents by offering knowledgeable customer service, a premium product offering and engaging in-store services. Pet Valu’s neighbourhood stores offer more than 7,000 competitively-priced products, including a broad assortment of premium, super premium, holistic and award-winning proprietary brands. To learn more, please visit: www.petvalu.ca.
Media Contact: Kelly Diehl
