Clinical Studies & Research at Friendship Hospital for Animals

Currently Enrolling – ORAL MELANOMA CLINICAL TRIAL  (View pdf)

TRIAL ELIGIBILITY

We are enrolling dogs that meet the following criteria:

• Weighs at least 3 kg (6.6 lbs)
• Diagnosis of Stage III oral melanoma (not confined to lip)
• At least one measurable lesion with a longest diameter of ≥10 mm ( ≥15 mm short axis for lymph node lesions)
• Prior surgery acceptable (if performed at least 14 days prior to enrollment) if measurable disease remains which meets above criteria
• No lung metastasis
• No prior Oncept® melanoma vaccine

Other study inclusion and exclusion criteria apply; The veterinary Investigator will decide if the dog is a good candidate for this study after examination.

REQUIREMENTS

Qualified dogs and their owners should expect to stay in the study for approximately 6 months and have 15 scheduled visits at FHA. You will also be required to document study associated observations as appropriate.

FULLY FUNDED STUDY BENEFITS

• Novel investigational product or placebo
• Study-related examinations and diagnostics
• Consultation and rechecks

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 – CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (CKD) CLINICAL STUDY (View pdf)

WHAT IS CKD?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a leading cause of illness and death in middle aged to older cats. CKD is the result of a progressive decrease in the kidney’s ability to excrete waste, concentrate urine and maintain hormone and electrolyte balance in the body.

The cause of CKD in a cat is often unknown. However, it is understood that the associated inflammation which occurs with CKD only worsens the disease.

Signs of CKD you may see in your cat include drinking more water, urinating more, weight loss, decreased activity, decreased appetite/becoming a “picky” eater, dehydration despite drinking more, and/or vomiting. Early signs of disease may be too subtle for you to notice, making annual lab work and check-ups important in order to intervene in the early stages of disease.

WHY CELL THERAPY?

CKD is a chronic condition that requires various medications, fluid therapy and close management. Stem cell therapy is a novel and promising approach to treating CKD and the associated inflammation.

DOES YOUR CAT QUALIFY?

Clinical study participation requirement: We are recruiting cats that have a diagnosis of stage 2 or 3 CKD and do not have other diseases that would interfere with the study objections. Your veterinarian will determine the stage of your cat’s kidney disease and will discuss the complete list of the study requirements with you.

Owner responsibilities:

• Bringing your cat to all the in-clinic appointments
• Adhering to the agreed upon protocol including medications that can or cannot be used during the study
• Performing any owner assessments at the prescheduled study timepoints

Potential Risks:

• As is the case with all clinical trials working to advance medicine, there are known and unknown risks
• The most commonly known risk with this therapy would be an allergic reaction

Procedures:

• Your cat will be assessed for enrollment based on the stage of kidney disease, physical exam, history, lab tests, medications, and imaging
• The cell therapy will be administered in a vein (intravenously) through a catheter in his/her leg, simliar to how fluids are administered when they are in the hospital
• The cell therapy consists of two injections, 14 days apart
• Follow-up visits/testing or phone follow-ups are required monthly
• There will be 2 cats treated with stem cell therapy for every one cat treated with placebo

Benefits:

• Gallant is funding this study with no out-of-pocket expenses to you for any testing or treatment
• Your cat will receive expert veterinary care throughout the study, including physical exams, blood work and urinalysis
• This study may reduce the at-home medications/treatments needed to help control CKD and improve the quality of life of your cat
• Your cat will play an important role in advancing veterinary medicine and helping other pets

To refer a suitable patient or if you have questions concerning the study or the referral process please, contact our Clinical Trials Coordinator, Noa Zeevi at 202-363-7300 or clinicaltrials@friendshiphospital.com

Currently Enrolling – Intrarenal Injection for the Management of Chronic Kidney Disease in Felines (View PDF)