AKC, Pfizer ink deal to fund veterinary research, develop medicines

New York

-- Pfizer Animal Health just become the exclusive "biopharmaceutical partner" with the American Kennel Club's Canine Health Foundation.

In fact, Pfizer is committing $500,000 over the next two years.

The new partnership will help fund canine disease research and give Pfizer insights into development of new medicines born from the basic and applied research initiatives.

Pfizer says in a prepared statement, this collaboration is part its commitment to veterinarians through training and education, research and development, and investing in the future of the veterinary profession.

"We're excited about the possibilities that this new alliance will bring to enhancing research related to prevention, treatment and cure of canine disease -- and how this supports veterinarians, the animals they care for and their owners," says Terry T. Warren, PhD, JD, chief executive officer and general counsel for CHF.

Pfizer and AKC Canine Health Foundation have worked together on numerous canine health research initiatives, including the Canine Comparative Oncology & Genomics Consortium housed at the National Cancer Institute, as well as Pfizer Animal Health's treatment for canine mast cell tumors, the company reports.

"What this new alliance offers in addition to funding important canine research is significant," adds David Haworth, DVM, PhD, director of Global Alliances for Pfizer Animal Health. "We have the opportunity to gain enormous insights and be a part of pursuing scientific discoveries that not only impact animals, but also may involve translational medicine that impacts humans."

As part of the new partnership, Dr. Haworth and Karen Greenwood, director of the Pfizer Companion Animal Internal Medicine Unit, have joined the CHF Board of Directors and Grants Committee, respectively.