SmartShop assists pet owners with food choices
Petnet launched SmartShop, a web page designed to help customers choose the appropriate foods for their pet. Users enter their pet’s age, weight, activity level, allergies and breed, and then a curated list of pet foods tailored to the animal’s needs is displayed. Pet owners also can compare recommended foods within their price range, purchase the diets and have the orders delivered to their doorstep. The Los Angeles company also unveiled the second generation of its flagship product, the Petnet SmartFeeder 2.0.
Henry Schein names technology executive
Christopher Pendergast has joined Henry Schein Inc. as senior vice president and chief technology officer. Pendergast will be responsible for the overall leadership of global information systems, cyber security and the Henry Schein Global Innovation Center. He will report to Gerry Benjamin, executive vice president and chief administrative officer at Henry Schein.
Leukocare partners with Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim has agreed to a licensing deal involving Leukocare’s formulation technologies. BI’s animal health business plans to utilize biological reagents in a new, portable veterinary diagnostics product. License and payment terms were not disclosed. Leukocare is based in Munich.
Mars Petcare acquires DNA diagnostics company
Mars Petcare acquired OptiGen, a DNA diagnostics company specializing in canine inherited eye disorders. Included are exclusive licenses to a portfolio of genetic disease tests patented in the United States, Australia and across Europe, and a biobank of more than 150,000 samples collected over 20 years. The samples will be used to discover new genetic health markers.
Small animal pain management market is profiled
Brakke Consulting’s latest multiclient study takes an in-depth look at pain management products for dogs and cats. The study also profiles the veterinary market for analgesics, nutritional supplements, therapeutic diets for joint support, and complementary therapies. More information is available at lfondon@brakkeconsulting.com.
DOJ approves Bayer’s takeover of Monsanto
According to Feedstuffs, Monsanto shares surged after The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. Department of Justice decided to approve the company’s $66 billion takeover by Bayer AG, removing the last major regulatory obstacle to the completion of the biggest deal in the seeds and crop-chemicals industry.
Tuskegee students receive Merck scholarships
Merck Animal Health announced that five, $5,000 scholarships were awarded to students enrolled in the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. The students intend to pursue careers in either companion or large animal veterinary care. “With pet ownership as popular as ever, and the growing demand for protein, the expertise of both companion and large animal veterinarians will continue to be important,” said Norman Stewart, DVM, manager of livestock technical services for Merck Animal Health.