New funding cycle opens for minor-use, minor-species research

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has opened a new round of minor-use, minor-species (MUMS) grants to fund the development of animal drugs. These are either for rare diseases in horses, dogs, cats, cattle, pigs, turkeys, and chickens, or for any use in minor animal species. The latter include animals such as zoo animals, ornamental fish, and guinea pigs. Some animals of agricultural importance are also minor species, including sheep, goats, catfish, game birds, and honey bees, among others.

The maximum award amount is $250,000 per year, per awardee for up to two years for routine studies and up to three years for long-term toxicology studies, according to the FDA notice.

Only animal-drug sponsors with designated MUMS animal drugs or their research partners are eligible to apply, with optional letters of intent due December 26, and full applications due January 30, 2026, via grants.gov or the National Institutes of Health's Application Submission System and Interface for Submission Tracking system. Applicants must also meet other eligibility requirements.

The MUMS Animal Health Act of 2004 offers innovative ways to bring medications to market for rare conditions or uncommon animals by making it easier for veterinary pharmaceutical companies and others to bring their products to markets. Prior to this AVMA-championed law, veterinary pharmaceutical companies and others would rarely attempt to bring such drugs to market.

To date, the MUMS grant program has provided $8.4 million in support of 72 studies that help ensure safe and effective animal drugs are available for a wide range of species and conditions.