The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is accepting applications for a grant program that supports the development of new animal drugs. The applications are due May 14. The program was established by the Minor Use and Minor Species Animal Health Act of 2004. The MUMS act helps make more medications legally available to veterinarians and animal owners to treat minor animal species and minor uses in major animal species. Major species include horses, dogs, cats, cattle, swine, turkeys and chickens. All other animal species, except humans, are considered minor species. In accordance with the statute, 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 grants are good for up to $50,000 a year for up to two years for routine studies and up to $100,000 a 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. The FDA has $750,000 to offer in MUMS grants during the fiscal year ending Sept. 30. For details, visit http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-FD-10-001.html. <HOME>
