Industry Organizations Call for Bisphosphonate Research
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Photo: Courtesy of RMTC
The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium is one of the industry organizations calling for more bisphosphonate research
Three organizations dedicated to the improvement of horse health announced June 13 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, 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 4 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 chairman 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 Dr. Johnny Mac Smith, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, at (859) 224-2850.