Posted: June 1, 2009, 5 a.m. EDT
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has initiated a grant program to support the development of new animal drugs intended for minor species or minor uses in major species.
Major species include dogs, cats, horses, cattle, pigs, turkeys and chickens. All other animal species, except humans, are considered minor species.
The grant program was established by the Minor Use and Minor Species Animal Health Act of 2004. A MUMS grant must be for the purpose of “defraying the costs of qualified safety and effectiveness testing expenses incurred in connection with the development of designated new animal drugs.”
The FDA will offer $750,000 in grants for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30. Grants for total costs will be available for up to $50,000 per year for up to two years for routine studies; and up to $100,000 per year for up to two years for studies of unusual complexity, duration or size. A third year of funding may be available for long-term toxicology studies.
Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by July 1.