Weekly Companion Animal News: August 18, 2025
Exubrion reports study supports osteoarthritis treatment
Exubrion Therapeutics announced that research appearing in Frontiers in Veterinary Science shows that Synovetin OA from Exubrion successfully targets inflammation in the joint directly at the source. In preclinical rodent studies, tin-117m (also known as Sn-117m), the key component in Synovetin OA, was proven to have a positive disease-modifying effect due to its direct effect on inflammation.
Trupanion reports total Q2 2025 revenue up 12% from prior year
Pet insurance provider Trupanion reported Q2 2025 revenue of $353.6 million, an increase of 12% from the prior year period. Net income for the second quarter was $9.4 million. Total enrolled pets was 1.66 million as of June 30, 2025, a decrease of 2% over June 30, 2024.
Canine longevity pill could hit market in 2026
Loyal, a San Francisco startup, has a shot and a pill in the works to lengthen dogs’ lifespans by limiting a growth hormone prevalent in big dogs and by changing the metabolism of senior dogs to mimic a low-calorie diet. The company’s first beef-flavored longevity pill could hit the market by 2026. The company has raised $135 million in equity (and an additional $20 million in venture debt) from investors.
Purina announces applications for Pet Care Innovation Prize due by Sept. 21
The Pet Care Innovation Prize from Purina is accepting applications for the tenth year of the competition. Each year, Purina hosts the competition to select five pet-focused startups to receive $25,000 each in non-dilutive funding. Winners also receive mentorship support from Purina and Active Capital. Early-stage companies can apply for the 2026 Pet Care Innovation Prize by Sept. 21, 2025.
Oregon referral center offers advanced extracorporeal therapies
The Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon in Bend, Oregon, announced the addition of hemodialysis, therapeutic plasma exchange and hemoperfusion to its suite of specialized veterinary services. An in-house blood bank ensures the availability of transfusions if necessary.
PetPace seeks dog owners to enroll in epilepsy monitoring project
PetPace, a pet health monitoring provider, is enlisting dog owners to join a beta program to improve the way its technology tracks and manages canine epilepsy. Volunteers will receive the Epilepsy Insights module – part of a smart collar – for free, for the life of their dogs. Dogs must have a formal epilepsy diagnosis to be eligible.
Pet Desk integrates its client engagement system with Shepherd PIMS
PetDesk, a provider of client engagement software for veterinary practices, announced an integration between its PetDesk Communications platform and Shepherd Veterinary Solutions, a cloud-based veterinary practice information management system. Automated client interactions from PetDesk include reminders, two-way texting and digital forms.
Nine animal health startups selected for Topeka accelerator program
Plug and Play Topeka, an industry-specific accelerator program in Topeka, Kansas, has selected 13 animal health startups for its ninth cohort. The 18-week program will include pitch opportunities, an introduction to mentors and corporate entities, business development workshops and cohort collaboration. The startups are: Arterra Pet Science, Branvine, ChemCode, Green-On, Hoomanely, N&E Innovations Pte Ltd, Pet Portal AI, Petalife, Pointer Health, RSLNT, testblu diagnostics, Treat and Vetabolics.
