Clinical Studies & Research at Friendship Hospital for Animals
Currently Enrolling – Injectable Polyacrylamide Study
We are evaluating a treatment for urinary incontinence that is novel in dogs.
The product has been used for incontinence in women and is also administered in the joints of dogs and horses to be used to help with joint lameness.
This is a minimally invasive treatment for urinary incontinence in dogs. Compared to urethral collagen bulking, a procedure performed for decades to manage urinary incontinence, we hope that this product produces a prolonged response.
Patient benefits: potentially one-time procedure vs. collagen administration that needs to be repeated as needed (typically yearly).
Clients responsibility: Cover procedure costs only – the bulking agent is administered at no charge.
Financial benefits: $1,000 savings compared to cost of collagen injection.
Follow-up: 1 & 3 month phone call or email with update. Recheck as needed.
We would be happy to provide you with additional information regarding the study. Please reach out to our Clinical Trials Coordinator, Noa Zeevi at 202-363-7300 or clinicaltrials@friendshiphospital.com
Currently Enrolling – The Hope for Cats with Heart failure Study (View PDF)
We are happy to inform you that our hospital is participating in a clinical study evaluating an investigational medication for the treatment of feline patients with heart failure.
STUDY OVERVIEW
This is an 18-month double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a once-daily oral liquid investigational medication administered by the cat owner, with the goal of achieving approval by FDA.
ALL cats in the study receive Standard of Care based on ACVIM guidelines during the full duration of their study participation, which may help reduce the likelihood of certain disease complications.
PATIENT REQUIREMENTS
- Have had first CHF (congestive heart failure) episode in last 60 days
- Not diabetic and not on insulin
- At least 12 months of age
- Weigh at least 4.4 lbs (2 kg)
- Currently clinically stable (free of pleural effusion/pulmonary edema)
- Not pregnant, lactating, or intended for breeding
The full Inclusion and Exclusion criteria are available at FelineHeartStudy.com/Veterinarians.
NO-COST CARDIOLOGY CARE
Everything required by this cardiology study is provided free to owners, including:
- Bloodwork, including hematology, biochemistry, total thyroxin, fructosamine, NT-proBNP
- Urinalysis
- Cardiac and respiratory exams
- Diagnostic tests, including echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, thoracic radiography, and systolic blood pressure
For stable patients only, from screening forward. (Initial patient stabilization is not included in the study.)
REFERRING YOUR PATIENTS IS EASY If you believe you have feline patients that meet study requirements outlined above, simply visit FelineHeartStudy.com, complete the prescreening questionnaire and upload digital radiographs (if you have them) to help us determine whether your patient is eligible for screening. The study investigator will evaluate and review qualifications for each potential candidate.
Friendship Hospital for Animals clinicaltrials@friendshiphospital.com
Your clients can also learn more about the study at: FelineHeartStudy.com
Currently Enrolling – The Dog Aging Project: Test of Rapamycin in Aging Dogs
Background and purpose
Rapamycin is an mTOR inhibitor which, at low doses, has been shown to increase lifespan and delay or reverse many age-related disorders in mice. The goal of TRIAD is to assess the effects of the medication rapamycin on health and aging in dogs. This study is designed to test if rapamycin treatment leads to any of the following benefits:
- Better heart health
- Improved mobility
- Prolonged cognitive function
- Increased lifespan
What happens in this study
Eligibility Diagnostics:
Cardiology part of the project
- Physical exam including blood pressure measurement
- Sample collection (CBC/Chem/Urinalysis)
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram
Neurology part of the project
- Physical exam including blood pressure measurement
- Sample collection (CBC/Chem/Urinalysis)
- Neurological Exam
Treatment/Protocol
- Once enrolled, the participant will be prescribed the study medication (which may be rapamycin or a placebo), which is administered by the owner in pill form once a week for one year.
- After one year, the study medication will be discontinued and the participant will enter the observation phase for two years.
- During both phases of the study, the participant will visit the clinical site every six months for recheck physical exam, blood pressure, sample collection (blood, urine, feces, and hair – collected by clipping a small area), and specialty exam (echocardiogram / ECG for Cardio Arm or neurological exam for Neuro Arm).
- The owner will also be asked to fill out electronic surveys regarding the health and wellbeing of their participant dog at regular intervals.
Participation requirements
Inclusion Criteria:
- At least 7 years old
- Between 44 and 120 lbs
- Cooperative during vet visits
- Spayed or castrated
- Meet specific health and behavioral criteria
- Veterinary electronic medical records must be provided
Exclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosis of certain diseases and chronic conditions (such as cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disease, Cushing’s disease, chronic liver or kidney disease, history of seizures, etc.)
- Most conditions that require chronic medical management are exclusionary, with specific exceptions like allergies or low thyroid function (hypothyroidism)
Benefits and risks of participating
Participation is an act of volunteerism. Remember that it is unknown if rapamycin at this does has benefits to dogs, and that half of the dogs will receive placebo, so participants should not expect direct benefits from the study medication. Risks to dogs include the minor risks associated with blood and urine collection, as well as potential side effects from rapamycin. Rapamycin has not been widely used in dogs and so the overall likelihood of side effects is not known however, in the studies performed by our team prior to TRIAD, side effects have been rare and mild.
Compensation
No direct compensation. Cost of study visits and study medication is covered by the project. All examination and labwork results are provided to the owner and the dog’s primary care veterinarian.
Friendship Hospital for Animals clinicaltrials@friendshiphospital.com
Dog Aging Project DogAgingProject.org/TRIAD
