Side view of doctor looking through microscope The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) and the Veterinary Pharmacology Research Foundation (VPRF) have selected two researchers as recipients of the organizations’ pharmacology research grants. Derek Foster, DVM, Ph.D., DACVIM, assistant professor of ruminant health and production in the Department of Population Health and Pathobiology at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, is the recipient of the AVMF/VPRF Veterinary Pharmacology Research Grant of nearly $30,000. Dr. Foster is conducting research on the continuous sampling of the bovine udder by ultrafiltration to assess the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intramammary ceftiofur. Duncan X. Lascelles, BSc, BVSC, Ph.D., MRCVS, CertVA, DSAS(ST), DECVS, DACVS, professor of small animal surgery and pain management and director of the comparative pain research and education program at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, received the organizations’ nearly $15,000 Veterinary Pharmacokinetic Research Grant. Dr. Lascelles’ research focuses on the pharmacokinetics of gabapentin in cats by three routes of administration. Funding for the AVMF and VPRF research grants supports research into new or currently approved medications for combating diseases and conditions of companion and food animals as well as projects that ensure the safety of food products from treated livestock. Clinicians and scientists with an interest in veterinary pharmacology are eligible to serve as principal investigators. Jane G. Owens, DVM, Ph.D., president of the VPRF, said her organization is excited about the new partnership with the AVMF. “The mission of the two organizations aligns very well,” Dr. Owens said. “This alliance supports funding for evaluation of new and currently approved medications for combating diseases of companion and food animals as well as for ensuring the safety of food products from treated livestock. We believe this partnership offers veterinary researchers a unique funding source as no other granting agency focuses solely on veterinary pharmacology.” Jan K. Strother, chair of the AVMF board of directors, added, “Since our founding more than 50 years ago, the AVMF has supported scientific research that advances veterinary medicine. Our research support has led to better prevention (and) treatment protocols and has improved the health and the quality of animals’ lives globally. “I believe that our model of partnership with VPRF will connect our organizations’ members and resources to promote and provide research studies that are vitally important for our profession.”
