Jaguar Pursues INAD for Diarrhea Drug
Jaguar Health Inc. submitted an Investigational New Animal Drug file with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for crofelemer, a plant-based prescription medication formulated to treat general, non-infectious diarrhea in dogs. Crofelemer delayed-release tablets, under the name Canalevia-CA1, received conditional FDA approval in December 2021 for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea in dogs.
LSU Associate Dean Takes Top Job at Arkansas State
Dr. Heidi E. Cox Banse was named dean of Arkansas State University’s proposed College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Banse most recently served as the associate dean for education strategy at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Arkansas State is awaiting a summer accreditation visit from the Council on Education and hopes to start classes in 2026.
BI Opens Late-Stage R&D Lab in Missouri
Boehringer Ingelheim held a ribbon-cutting for a late-stage research and development laboratory in St. Joseph, Missouri. “This state-of-the-art facility is set to revolutionize the development of future products, including biotherapeutics,” the company stated.
Mars Might Acquire European Companies
Mars Inc. reported its interest in acquiring Cerba HealthCare’s ownership stake in Cerba Vet and Antagene. Cerba Vet consists of six veterinary diagnostics laboratories in France and Switzerland. Antagene conducts DNA testing and genetic analysis of dogs, cats, horses and wildlife across Europe.
Shelters United’s VOR Program Assists Rescue Groups
California-based Shelters United, a group purchasing organization for animal welfare organizations, is building a veterinarian of record program. “These rescues rely on a veterinarian of record (VOR) to provide care for pets awaiting adoption and to purchase necessary prescription medications,” according to Shelters United. “Currently, there is no VOR model to help veterinarians and rescue organizations work together in a productive, symbiotic and sustainable way.”
Iowa Is Home to 13th Covetrus Distribution Center
Covetrus opened an 80,000-square-foot distribution center in Grimes, Iowa, holding more than 5,000 products for veterinary practices and large and small animals. The warehouse, one of 13 operated by Covetrus nationwide, serves the greater Midwest region.
VCA Appoints Patty Wu as President
Patty Wu, a former executive at companies such as Mattel, Walmart and Bed, Bath & Beyond, was named president of VCA Animal Hospitals. She replaces Dr. Todd Lavender, who became the chief transformation officer at Mars Veterinary Health.
New From Bionet: Brio XVet Monitors
Bionet America Inc. launched Brio XVet multiparameter monitors for use in veterinary surgery. According to Bionet, “Veterinarians can easily connect up to 32 Bionet monitors, allowing central monitoring of all procedures from any workstation in the practice.”
Bond Vet Unveils Online Pharmacy
The 44-hospital Bond Vet chain launched BondRx, an online pharmacy offering home delivery to clients. A vendor fulfills and ships the orders, a spokesperson said. Bond Vet operates clinics in the New York, Boston, Chicago and Washington, D.C., areas and expects to open a practice in Atlanta.
UF Veterinary Student Wins VEG Scholarship
University of Florida veterinary student Audalys Pena was named the recipient of Veterinary Emergency Group’s annual VEG Scholarship, covering her fourth year of tuition. After graduation, she will go to work at VEG South Tampa.