Weekly companion animal news: December 14, 2020

Texas A&M offering new canine cancer screening test

Texas A&M will begin offering a new cancer test that its researchers helped develop. Belgium-based Volition recently announced the launch of the Nu.Q Vet Cancer Screening Test, its first product, in the United States. The test is now available to veterinarians in North America for use during annual wellness checks of older dogs for cases where there is a suspicion of cancer, or for younger dogs in breeds with a high risk for developing cancer in their lifetimes. “Unlike in humans, where routine cancer screening is relatively commonplace, there are few tests for animals,” said Heather Wilson-Robles, a Texas A&M professor whose team helped develop the test. “This simple, low-cost blood test can help streamline the diagnostic process and shorten the path to diagnosis, thereby allowing treatment (be that chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery) to be initiated earlier, even before symptoms appear, increasing the chance of the dog’s survival and its quality of life.”

Washington State University begins study examining human cancer treatment in dogs

Washington State University veterinarians are investigating whether a drug used to treat breast cancer in humans could be used to treat one of the most common forms of cancer in dogs. In the recently launched clinical study, veterinary oncologists are examining whether the drug capecitabine, brand name Xeloda, can safely slow the growth of cavernous epithelial tumors in dogs. Carcinomas, malignancies of epithelial tissue, account for 80-90% of all cancer cases. Epithelial tissue is found throughout the body. It is present in the skin, as well as the covering and lining of organs and internal passageways. The study will also measure the drug’s concentration in the blood to determine potential dosing regimens, and it will document any adverse events as a next step toward using the drug as a safe treatment, according to Washington State.

New SoundByte: Marboquin

Dechra’s Marboquin (marbofloxacin) tablets are indicated for the treatment of infections in dogs and cats associated with certain bacteria. The company says the medication is therapeutically equivalent to the pioneer drug, meaning it offers the same safety and efficacy at a lower price. It’s available in 25 milligram, 50 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg scored tablets. More information is available in Veterinary Advantage’s SoundByte.

Elanco announces agreement with KindredBio to bring parvovirus therapy to market

Elanco Animal Health announced an agreement with Kindred Biosciences to acquire exclusive global rights to KIND-030, a new monoclonal antibody being developed for the treatment and prevention of canine parvovirus. The disease affects at least 250,000 puppies annually in the United States, according to Banfield Pet Hospital. Currently there’s no approved treatment available. KIND-030 is planned to be a cost-effective alternative to supportive care, strengthening Elanco’s overall vaccine and therapeutics portfolio. It’s currently being pursued for two indications in dogs: prophylactic therapy to prevent clinical signs of canine parvovirus infection and treatment of established parvovirus infection. Completion of the upcoming efficacy study for the therapeutic indication is expected in early 2021.

Mars buys specialty veterinary practices in Britain

Mars’ veterinary business has agreed to buy five specialty referral centers in Britain for up to £100 million ($133.2 million), continuing a recent drive by the U.S. company into the European pet care market, VIN News Service reports. The practices are being bought by Mars’ Linnaeus division from Britain-based Pets at Home. Pets at Home said the deal was subject only to customary legal approvals and is expected to be completed between January and March. It will get an initial £80 million ($106.6 million) payment from Linnaeus and up to £20 million ($26.6 million) in performance payments contingent on future financial milestones being met by the referral centers.

Covetrus completes separation from former parent company

Covetrus announced that all 72 transitional services agreements with Henry Schein, its former parent company, have now been exited. The final exit, which was completed ahead of schedule and less than two years following the completion of its spinoff, marks a significant milestone that will enable the company to deliver greater coordination of its business as the company moves toward the next stage of its three-year strategic plan, according to the announcement. Covetrus also announced a consolidation within its North American commercial organizations to drive increased strategic alignment between its customers and its full scope of products and capabilities. The new structure brings together Covetrus’ North American commercial teams under unified leadership to maximize account management and support for its customers’ businesses, according to Covetrus.

whiskerDocs to launch pet telemedicine in 2021

Pet telehealth provider whiskerDocs announced the planned January 2021 launch of its proprietary telemedicine service for pet owners in four U.S. states. “By starting with teletriage, pet parents in eligible states will be able to receive the same on-demand services they’ve come to rely on from whiskerDocs, as well as access to veterinary telemedicine consults,” said Deb Leon, CEO and founder of whiskerDocs and a founding member of the Veterinary Virtual Care Association. Most state veterinary practice acts restrict how a veterinary-client-patient relationship can be established. whiskerDocs, Animal Policy Group and others plan to engage state legislatures and veterinary boards to loosen those regulations, according to whiskerDoc’s announcement.

Midmark honored as ‘Healthiest Employer’ in Ohio and Michigan

Midmark has been recognized as one of the “Healthiest Employers” of Ohio and Michigan. The awards program is sponsored by data analytics company Springbuk and “was created to honor people-first organizations that prioritize the well-being of their employee population,” according to the announcement. Companies are recognized for their commitment to workplace wellness and their exceptional health and benefits offerings.