The Parsemus Foundation works to create meaningful improvements in human and animal health and welfare by advancing innovative and neglected medical research.

Veterinarian Directory

Find a veterinarian offering ovary-sparing spay, vasectomy, and other services.

COVID-19

Research that focuses on simple, inexpensive therapies that are available now.

Vasalgel

A long-acting, nonhormonal, reversible male contraceptive under development.

Our Mission

The Parsemus Foundation works to create meaningful improvements in human and animal health and welfare by advancing innovative and neglected medical research. The foundation’s focus is on supporting small proof-of-concept studies and then pursuing press coverage of the results, so that the advances change treatment practice rather than disappearing into the scientific literature. Many of the studies we support involve low-cost approaches that are not under patent. When supporting development of technologies under patent, the Parsemus Foundation coordinates with larger funders to make sure support is contingent upon strong public-sector pricing agreements.
Hand holding leaf to show how we are advancing innovative and neglected medical research

Recent News

Noninvasive methods to evaluate canine BPH

Most intact male dogs will develop enlarged prostate glands. This condition, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is influenced by androgen hormones such as testosterone. BPH has few symptoms in the earlier stages of development. However, it can lead to serious health issues if left untreated, such as reproductive tract issues, constipation, and prostate infections. Researchers have outlined noninvasive methods to evaluate canine BPH in the early, subclinical, stages. Early detection allows early treatment and avoids the progression of the disease.

Read More →

Targeting 14 risk factors can cut dementia cases by nearly half

As life expectancy increases worldwide, more people are living with dementia. Even though the age-specific rate of dementia is falling in some high-income countries, the overall number of cases is still rising. This highlights the need for effective prevention strategies. The Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care recently updated its findings, revealing 14 modifiable risk factors that can help reduce dementia cases. Their latest report emphasizes that targeting 14 risk factors can cut dementia cases by nearly half.

Read More →
Estrogen and Low Back Pain: What the Research Shows as shown by a woman with lower back pain

Estrogen and low back pain: what the research shows

Low back pain is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide — especially older women. While the causes of low back pain can be varied, new research suggests that estrogen may play a role in its development and severity. A recent review published in Bone Research reported that estrogen receptors are present in the intervertebral discs and facet joints. These two key areas of the spine are often affected by low back pain. This suggests that estrogen may have a direct impact on the health of these tissues.

Read More →

Noninvasive methods to evaluate canine BPH

Most intact male dogs will develop enlarged prostate glands. This condition, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is influenced by androgen hormones such as testosterone. BPH has few symptoms in the earlier stages of development. However, it can lead to serious health issues if left untreated, such as reproductive tract issues, constipation, and prostate infections. Researchers have outlined noninvasive methods to evaluate canine BPH in the early, subclinical, stages. Early detection allows early treatment and avoids the progression of the disease.

Read More →

Targeting 14 risk factors can cut dementia cases by nearly half

As life expectancy increases worldwide, more people are living with dementia. Even though the age-specific rate of dementia is falling in some high-income countries, the overall number of cases is still rising. This highlights the need for effective prevention strategies. The Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care recently updated its findings, revealing 14 modifiable risk factors that can help reduce dementia cases. Their latest report emphasizes that targeting 14 risk factors can cut dementia cases by nearly half.

Read More →
Estrogen and Low Back Pain: What the Research Shows as shown by a woman with lower back pain

Estrogen and low back pain: what the research shows

Low back pain is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide — especially older women. While the causes of low back pain can be varied, new research suggests that estrogen may play a role in its development and severity. A recent review published in Bone Research reported that estrogen receptors are present in the intervertebral discs and facet joints. These two key areas of the spine are often affected by low back pain. This suggests that estrogen may have a direct impact on the health of these tissues.

Read More →
Links Between Sleep, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Sex Differences as shown by a couple sleeping in bed

Links between sleep, Alzheimer’s disease, and sex differences

Did you know that women are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than men? In fact, about two-thirds of Alzheimer’s cases in the U.S. affect women. One key factor that might help explain this disparity is the connection between sleep disruptions, Alzheimer’s disease, and sex differences. As a recent study shows, it’s becoming clear that sleep problems, especially during and after menopause, may play a significant role in women’s increased risk for Alzheimer’s.

Read More →

Featured Studies Advancing Innovative Medical Research

We’re sorry, you are not eligible for the nationwide COVID-OUT or ACTIV-6 studies, but you may be eligible for other federal trials:

And if you don’t find a match there, this slightly more complex clinical trials finder includes studies sponsored by companies as well:

Trials Today