Edited press release
The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation has issued an official call for research applications focused on the development of a nucleic acid-based vaccine against equine herpes virus (EHV). Dr. John Ballantyne and the Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation have committed $2 million in funding for this research.
“We are grateful to Dr Ballantyne for his generosity in supporting efforts to tackle EHV, a disease that affects all horses,” said Dell Hancock, foundation president. “This gift will help Grayson continue his commitment to funding important equine research, and our research advisory committee looks forward to seeing what proposals are submitted.”
Dr Ballantyne said: “As a horse owner with a biotech background, I recognize the dangers of EHV and see the potential of a nucleic acid-based vaccine to combat the disease. “I am proud to be partnering with Grayson to support EHV research.”
Grayson is interested in research proposals that focus on EHV-1, EHV-3 and EHV-4, with a multivalent or pan-valent approach. The researchers must be able to conduct an in vivo proof of principle of efficacy in an equine model in-house or through collaboration. Applications from established equine investigators in collaboration with experts from other fields (e.g., human vaccinators) are highly recommended. It is anticipated that this research will last three to four years and possibly multiple projects.
The grant application is due on October 1, 2022 and can be submitted at grayson-jockeyclub.org.
The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Fund has traditionally been the nation’s leading source of private funding for beneficial equine medical research of all breeds. Since 1983, the foundation has provided more than $30.6 million to fund 397 projects at 45 universities in North America and abroad.
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This story was posted in Top News and tagged EHV, equine herpes virus, horse studies, horse vaccine, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.
