AAEP Foundation, Industry Groups Issue Call for Bisphosphonate Research Proposals

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AAEP Foundation, Industry Groups Issue Call for Bisphosphonate Research Proposals

Jun 13, 2019

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Three organizations dedicated to the improvement of horse health today announced a call for research proposals to investigate bisphosphonate administration in racehorses and in young racing prospects intended for sale at public auction.

The initiative by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC), the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and the American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation seeks to understand how bisphosphonates affect the long-term health and soundness of equine athletes. No research exists regarding the medication’s influence on horses under four years of age.

“The expeditious development, funding and execution of targeted tactical research will be critical to our industry’s efforts to effectively regulate the use of bisphosphonates and prevent their abuse,” said RMTC Chair Alex Waldrop.

The areas of requested research are:

  • Improving existing detection methodologies, including the potential use of alternative matrices such as hair and biomarkers in addition to the traditional testing matrices of urine and blood.
  • Understanding the effects of bisphosphonate administration on bone healing and remodeling.
  • Assessing the analgesic properties of bisphosphonates in the horse.

The complete Request for Proposals can be read here. The deadline for submission is Oct. 1, 2019.

For more information about submitting a proposal for consideration, please contact Johnny MacSmith, DVM, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, at (859) 224-2850.

The RMTC consists of 23 racing industry stakeholders and organizations that represent Thoroughbred, Standardbred, American Quarter Horse and Arabian racing. The organization works to develop and promote uniform rules, policies and testing standards at the national level; coordinate research and educational programs that seek to ensure the integrity of racing and the health and welfare of racehorses and participants; and protect the interests of the racing public.

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation is traditionally the nation’s leading source of private funding for equine medical research that benefits all breeds of horses. Since 1983, the foundation has provided more than $27.5 million to fund 366 projects at 44 universities in North America and overseas. Additional information about the foundation is available at grayson-jockeyclub.org.

The AAEP Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established in 1994, serves as the charitable arm of the American Association of Equine Practitioners to improve the welfare of horses. Since its inception, the Foundation has disbursed more than $5.4 million to fulfill its vital mission. For more information, visit aaepfoundation.org.