FDA Announces MUMS Grant Program Award for SLICE research

The Food and Drug Administration has awarded an additional grant to support the development of new animal drugs intended for minor species or minor uses in major species.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Aquatic Animal Drug Approval Partnership Program in Bozeman, Montana received funding for a studyon the efficacy of SLICE to control Salmincola spp. infestations in rainbow trout as a representative of all freshwater-reared salmonids.

The grant program was established by the Minor Use and Minor Species (MUMS) Animal Health Act of 2004. A MUMS grant must be for the purpose of “defraying the costs of qualified safety and effectiveness testing expenses incurred in connection with the development of designated new animal drugs.” Qualified testing occurs after the date a drug is designated under Section 573 of the act and before the date on which a new animal drug application for the drug is submitted under Section 512 of the act. In addition, a study for which a grant is sought must be subject to a protocol accepted by the Center for Veterinary Medicine prior to the submission of a grant application.

The next opportunity to apply for grant funding under this program is scheduled to begin on February 4, 2011.