Blue Buffalo gives $6 million to advance clinical trials at Ohio State

(from left to right) Dr. Rustin Moore, Dean, Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine; Billy Bishop, President & Chief Operating Officer, Blue Buffalo Co.; Kurt Schmidt, CEO, Blue Buffalo Co. Photo courtesy of Jeff BatesBlue Buffalo Co. has donated $6 million to The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in order to establish the Blue Buffalo Veterinary Clinical Trials Office, according to a release from OSU News. The Clinical Trials Office (CTO) is a program that facilitates studies to improve patient care and advance medical knowledge for animals as well as humans.  

"This transformational gift from Blue Buffalo will significantly enhance our ability to support clinical trials for a variety of diseases from cancer to heart failure," says director of the Clinical Trials Office and professor of veterinary biosciences Cheryl London, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (oncology). "Clinical trials enhance the health and well-being of pets while also identifying more effective treatments for similar diseases that occur in people."

The CTO supervises clinical trials involving client-owned animals including dogs, cats and horses, among others. Studies done at the CTO have resulted in the development of new treatments for issues regarding cancer, heart disease, and arthritis. Pet owners work closely with veterinary researchers during these trials with the ultimate goal of finding new therapies, diagnostic tests and medical devices that will improve animal and human health, the release states.

"This gift is an important part of Blue Buffalo's efforts to advance veterinary medicine across a wide range of research needs," says Bill Bishop, company founder and chairman. "We look forward to supporting the veterinary profession for years to come as passionate clients continue to trust veterinarians who care for their family pets."

Since the company was founded in 2002, Blue Buffalo has supported pet oncology studies in order to gain greater understanding of the causes, treatments and prevention of cancers in pets. The company, in association with its partner Blue Buffalo Foundation, has raised more than $12 million for pet cancer research and financial support to help pet owners with cancer treatment fees.

For more information about the Clinical Trials Office and study eligibility, visit http://vet.osu.edu/vmc/cto.