Morris Animal Foundation to Fund 6 Studies Examining Multiple Feline Health Issues

Morris Animal Foundation announced it will fund six new studies that focus on multiple feline issues, including cancer and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). The foundation has selected professionals froaround the world to help keep feline pets happy and healthy.

The 2023 projects that will receive grants are:

• Anne Avery, VMD, PhD, from Colorado State University will investigate the pathogenesis and origin of feline intestinal lymphoma.
• Susannah Sample, DVM, MS, PhD, DAVCS, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison will receive the grant money for the genetic foundation of tooth resorption in felines.
• Maciej Parys, PhD, from the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, will explore a Genome-wide CRISPR knockout screening to identify novel therapeutic targets of feline oral squamous cell carcinoma.
• Gillian McLellan, BVMS, PhD, DACVO, DECVO, DVOphthal, MRCVS, FARVO Professor, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will delineate age-related neuropathology and correlations with behavioral abnormalities in feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome.
• Terza Brostoff, DVM, PhD, from the University of California, Davis, will investigate foundational steps toward a novel FIP mRNA vaccine.
• Shirley Chu, DVM, from the University of Missouri, is investigating a Phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluating tolerability, efficacy and immune modulation with spatially fractionated lattice stereotactic radiation therapy in feline oral squamous cell carcinoma.

“Cats are an important part of so many people’s lives,” said Kathy Tietje, VP of Scientific Operations at Morris Animal Foundation. “Investment in research advancing their health and well-being continues to be a priority for the Foundation. We’re proud to contribute to the science of feline health everywhere by providing financial support for these innovative studies.”