Stem cell therapy is continuing to show great promise in veterinary medicine, and it’s getting another big boost. Philanthropists John and Leslie Malone have committed $42.5 million to Colorado State University to develop regenerative medical therapies for animals and people.

The donation will launch the CSU Institute for Biologic Translational Therapies, which will investigate nextgeneration remedies based on living cells and their products, including patient-derived stem cells, to treat musculoskeletal disease and other ailments.

The gift was inspired in part by stem cell treatments the Malones’ world-class dressage horses received to help repair stressed and injured joints.

“You put so much training into them, it would be wonderful to have them enjoy their health for a longer period,” says Leslie, citing a promising dressage competitor named Blixt, a gelding that suffered lameness, underwent arthroscopic surgery, received stem cell injections, and now is back to training.

“We think this whole area of research is very exciting for what it portends for humans and animals,” John adds.