Zoetis OA Treatment Gains U.S. Approval
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a new Zoetis Inc. product, Librela (bedinvetmab injection), as the first and only injectable mAb treatment for controlling pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. The U.S. approval followed Librela’s launch in Europe in 2021. The therapy also is used in Canada, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Librela, administered in a monthly injection, targets nerve growth factor, a key component of OA pain, according to Zoetis.
NVA Reorganizes Under New Presidents
National Veterinary Associates appointed presidents for its two separately managed businesses, a split announced in late March. Ryan Buck was named president of Ethos Veterinary Health, which consists of 145 specialty and emergency veterinary hospitals. Among his previous assignments was vice president of operations for NVA Compassion-First. Meanwhile, Sohail Malad was named president of NVA General Practice, a network of nearly 1,000 veterinary hospitals. “A seven-year veteran of NVA, Sohail has been a critical leader in establishing NVA as one of the largest owners of locally branded veterinary hospitals,” the company reported.
MWI Expands PetPage Portal
MWI Animal Health updated and expanded the PetPage Patient Portal, part of the AllyDVM cloud-based suite of veterinary software services. “From back-end technology upgrades to a sleek and refreshed interface and streamlined login process, the new version of the platform makes it easier than ever for pet owners to stay connected with their veterinary practice and manage their animal’s health,” MWI stated. “Through the PetPage Patient Portal, pet owners can conveniently request appointments and prescription refills, view medical reminders and practice announcements and manage their communication preferences, all from a single location.”
Veterinary Law Association to Meet in Denver
The American Veterinary Medical Law Association will hold its 29th annual continuing education conference and member meeting on July 15 and 16 in Denver. The event takes place during the American Veterinary Medical Association Convention. Registration is underway at bit.ly/44EbCyg.
Small Door Doubles Down in Boston
The members-only practice Small Door Veterinary opened in Brookline, Massachusetts, the company’s second Boston-area clinic. The location is led by senior veterinarian Dr. Beth Waisburd. Small Door also announced the debut of Wellness+ Bundles, “which packages together a year’s worth of gold-standard wellness and preventative care services, such as additional exams, vaccines, bloodwork, fecal checks, deworming and parasite preventatives.” Small Door also operates in New York City and Washington, D.C.
Weave Platform Uses AI
Weave, an all-in-one client communication and engagement platform, launched Response Assistant. The feature uses artificial intelligence to draft responses and other content.
Purina Pro Plan Sponsors Dog Agility Event
Purina Pro Plan was named a presenting sponsor of the Dog Agility World Games, scheduled for mid-October in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The championship event, organized by the United States Dog Agility Association, is officially known as the Cynosport Dog Agility World Games Presented by Purina Pro Plan.