Veterinary Clinical Trials
What are Veterinary Clinical Trials?
Veterinary clinical trials are very strictly controlled research studies that help evaluate the safety and efficacy of new medications, procedures, and treatments before they are approved for general use. Some trials are an improvement on an existing treatment, some may offer treatment for conditions that currently have no options available, and other trials merely gather information on certain groups that can be used for future development. While clinical trials may benefit individual patients, trials always advance knowledge and care for veterinary and human patients world-wide. If you have questions or are interested in more details to determine if a clinical trial is right for your pet, please email us at: studies@franklinanimalclinic.net.
Canine Clinical Trials
Dry Eye
We are looking for dogs with dry eye (or even slightly suspicious for dry eye). This is a 3 month study to evaluate the effectiveness of a new immune modulating topical medication to encourage tear production. Patient does not have to be officially diagnosed to be eligible for screening. Contact us for free screening if your dog has excessive eye discharge, rubbing at eyes, redness of the eyes, or other signs of eye irritation.
Chronic Kidney Disease
We are looking for dogs with chronic renal disease (IRIS 2 or 3) to receive a once monthly injection to slow the progression of renal failure. This is an 18 month study. Dogs receive monthly blood testing and exams.
Allergies
If your dog has non-seasonal allergy symptoms such as itching and redness of the skin, they may qualify for a study evaluating the safety and effectiveness of an injectable allergy medication to treat symptoms for up to 4 months. Dogs cannot currently be on allergy medication or must be willing to discontinue to screen for the study.
Allergy Supplement
Looking for a more natural way to improve your dog’s allergy symptoms? Ask us about our clinical trial looking at a daily oral supplement designed to improve skin and reduce itching in dogs.
Feline Clinical Trials
Chronic Kidney Disease
We are looking for cats with IRIS stage 2 or 3 chronic kidney disease for a clinical study looking at a once monthly injection to slow progression of the disease. This is an 18 month study requiring monthly visits. Participants will get blood testing every other month.
Feline Allergy Trial
If your cat has symptoms of allergies including itching, hair loss, sores and scabs, they may qualify for a clinical trial evaluating an injection designed to improve their symptoms for up to 4 months.
Feline Osteoarthritis
Does your kitty have symptoms of arthritis? Subtle signs like slowly lowering off furniture rather than jumping, no longer jumping on shelves or counters, trouble getting in and out of the litterbox, and slower stair climbing can all be symptoms of arthritis. Your cat may qualify for a monthly injection to decrease their arthritis pain.
Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease
Kidney disease in cats can cause anemia over time. If your cat has kidney disease with anemia, they may qualify for a study evaluating a new medication to restore their red cell count.
Our Clinical Trials Team
Dr. Amy Smith
Dr. Amy Smith has been with Franklin Animal Clinic for over 20 years. She started participating in veterinary clinical trials over 10 years ago and enjoys helping to bring new and exciting treatments to our amazing patients. Over the years she has found it gratifying to see many products achieve final FDA approval and improve the comfort and lifespan of dogs and cats everywhere.
Jack Acton
Jack is a Clinical Studies Technician and Veterinary Assistant. In 2024, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology on a pre-veterinary track from IU Indianapolis. He enjoys advancing veterinary medicine by assisting with clinical research studies and working alongside pet owners, veterinarians, and study sponsors to help bring innovative treatments to patients. Jack is passionate about providing quality care throughout each study and values the opportunity to contribute to the future of animal health while building lasting relationships with clients and their pets.
Outside of the clinic, Jack enjoys spending time outdoors, whether fishing, boating with family and friends, or staying active with his two dogs, Emily and Maggie. As a former collegiate cross-country and track athlete, he continues to enjoy distance running and making the most of his time outside.
Riley Winningham
Riley joined the study team in 2024 and recently stepped into the role of Clinical Trials Coordinator. She values the relationships she has built with pet owners and their fur babies over the years and looks forward to continuing to provide top-notch care for all study patients. Riley feels honored to help coordinate clinical trials and enjoys playing a small part in getting new and exciting treatments approved.
Riley earned both her Bachelor of Science in Zoology and her Professional Science Master’s degree in Wildlife Administration and Management from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. While obtaining her degrees, Riley worked in both the lab and field setting as a research assistant and was also a teaching assistant for several biology classes. After college, she and her husband, Bryce, moved to Florida, where Riley worked as a safari tour guide at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Riley and her husband live with their four cats Sagwa, Loki, Evie, and Theia.