Pfizer Animal Health, AKC Canine Health Foundation Form Exclusive Research Alliance

NEW YORK, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- With an aim toward dramatically strengthening efforts to prevent, treat and cure canine disease, Pfizer Animal Health and the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, Inc. have formed an exclusive research partnership.

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The new alliance — in which Pfizer Animal Health is the sole biopharmaceutical partner of the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), providing an initial commitment of $500,000 over two years — will focus on both basic and applied research initiatives, as well as sharing leadership and scientific expertise.

The collaboration is part of Pfizer Animal Health's ongoing Commitment to Veterinarians — supporting veterinarians through training and education, research and development, and investing in the future of the veterinary profession.

"Pfizer Animal Health is the premier, world-renowned pharmaceutical company dedicated to veterinary medicine," says Terry T. Warren, PhD, JD, chief executive officer and general counsel for CHF.  "We're excited about the possibilities that this new alliance will bring to enhancing research related to prevention, treatment and cure of canine disease — and how this supports veterinarians, the animals they care for and their owners."

Pfizer Animal Health and CHF already have a successful history of working together on numerous canine health research initiatives, including the Canine Comparative Oncology & Genomics Consortium housed at the National Cancer Institute, as well as Pfizer Animal Health's novel treatment for canine mast cell tumors.

"What this new alliance offers in addition to funding important canine research is significant," says David Haworth, DVM, PhD, director of Global Alliances for Pfizer Animal Health.  "We have the opportunity to gain enormous insights and be a part of pursuing scientific discoveries that not only impact animals, but also may involve translational medicine that impacts humans."

As part of the new partnership, Dr. Haworth and Karen Greenwood, director of the Pfizer Companion Animal Internal Medicine Unit, have joined the CHF Board of Directors and Grants Committee, respectively.

Together, Pfizer Animal Health and CHF will determine new avenues of research and establish a portfolio of grants that will most effectively influence the health of dogs.

Pfizer Inc: Working together for a healthier world™

At Pfizer, (NYSE: PFE) we apply science and our global resources to improve health and well-being at every stage of life.  We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacturing of medicines for people and animals.  Our diversified global health care portfolio includes human and animal biologic and small molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products and many of the world's best-known consumer products.  Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time.  Consistent with our responsibility as the world's leading biopharmaceutical company, we also collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world.  For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on us.  To learn more about our commitments to animal health, please visit us at www.pfizerAH.com.

About American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, Inc.

The AKC Canine Health Foundation, founded in 1995, is the largest nonprofit worldwide to fund health research exclusively for canines. Our goal is to help dogs live longer, healthier lives. The AKC Canine Health Foundation is the leader in non-invasive genetic health research, stem cell research, and biotherapeutics benefiting both canines and humans.  Through the generous financial support of the American Kennel Club, Nestle Purina PetCare Co., and Pfizer Animal Health, as well as thousands of clubs and individuals, we're proud to announce we have allocated more than $24 million to canine health research at veterinary schools and research institutions worldwide.  For more information, visit www.CanineHealthFoundation.org.

SOURCE Pfizer Inc.