The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC), the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and the American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation have issued a call for research proposals to investigate bisphosphonate administration in racehorses and in young racing prospects intended for sale at public auction.
They seek 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.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
