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

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome in cats similar to Alzheimer’s disease

House cats live an average of 14 years, and it’s not uncommon for a cat to live more than 20 years. Older cats often develop cognitive decline resulting in dementia. It’s called “cognitive dysfunction syndrome” or CDS. This condition is similar in many ways to Alzheimer’s disease, including amyloid beta and tau protein accumulation. Some believe that environmental stressors from life as a house cat contribute to cognitive decline.

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Ultra-processed foods affect brain health

Recent research has revealed that eating ultra-processed foods affects brain health. Studies suggest that diets high in these foods could increase the risk of cognitive impairment and stroke. Ultra-processed foods include industrially prepared items like packaged snacks, ready-made meals, and sugary drinks. These foods are often convenient, but they carry hidden health dangers.

Read More →

The spread of dangerous medical misinformation

You may have heard that vaccines cause autism, but are you unsure where this idea came from? Are you — or someone you know — suspicious of the U.S. government response to COVID-19? If so, you’ll be interested in a two-part series of articles that John Parkinson wrote about the challenges of communicating medical information to the public and the ease with which medical misinformation spreads.

Read More →

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome in cats similar to Alzheimer’s disease

House cats live an average of 14 years, and it’s not uncommon for a cat to live more than 20 years. Older cats often develop cognitive decline resulting in dementia. It’s called “cognitive dysfunction syndrome” or CDS. This condition is similar in many ways to Alzheimer’s disease, including amyloid beta and tau protein accumulation. Some believe that environmental stressors from life as a house cat contribute to cognitive decline.

Read More →

Ultra-processed foods affect brain health

Recent research has revealed that eating ultra-processed foods affects brain health. Studies suggest that diets high in these foods could increase the risk of cognitive impairment and stroke. Ultra-processed foods include industrially prepared items like packaged snacks, ready-made meals, and sugary drinks. These foods are often convenient, but they carry hidden health dangers.

Read More →

The spread of dangerous medical misinformation

You may have heard that vaccines cause autism, but are you unsure where this idea came from? Are you — or someone you know — suspicious of the U.S. government response to COVID-19? If so, you’ll be interested in a two-part series of articles that John Parkinson wrote about the challenges of communicating medical information to the public and the ease with which medical misinformation spreads.

Read More →

Hormone therapy is safe for treating menopause symptoms

Many women approaching menopause are concerned about the safety of hormone therapy. That’s because in 2002, researchers reported that hormone replacement therapy — or HRT — was related to increased risk of breast cancer. However, experts now report that hormone therapy in early menopause is safe and beneficial.

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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