Weekly Companion Animal News: December 8, 2025
Akston announces clinical study of GLP-1 weight-management therapy for cats
Akston, developer of protein-based therapies for pets, announced the start of a clinical study at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine to evaluate its once-weekly GLP-1 weight-management therapy for cats. The trial will assess the therapy over a roughly three-month period in domestic cats affected by excess weight. The company is also advancing a GLP-1 program for dogs, which is approximately six months behind the feline program.
FelineVMA publishes updated positions on transportation and hybrid cats
The Feline Veterinary Medical Association has published updated position statements on the Transportation of Cats in Motor Vehicles and Hybrid Cats. The association encourages veterinary professionals to educate cat caregivers on transporting cats safely while minimizing distress and reaffirms its opposition to the breeding of non-domestic (wild felids) with domestic cats.
Canadian VMA asks government to step up testing for internationally educated veterinarians
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association is calling for the federal government to establish a national testing center for internationally educated veterinarians to accelerate their entry into the workforce. A shortage of at least several thousand veterinarians is expected to persist until 2031. In addition, the CVMA is recommending expanded access to evidence-based mental wellness support for veterinary professionals.
Clemson receives $16.5M donation for new veterinary school
A $16.5 million donation has been made to the Harvey S. Peeler College of Veterinary Medicine at Clemson University in South Carolina by alum Don Quattlebaum. Earlier this year, Clemson received a Letter of Reasonable Assurance from the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education and expects to welcome its first students in fall 2026.
Dalan Animal Health receives investment from Yuyu Pharma
South Korea-based Yuyu Pharma announced it has completed an investment in Dalan Animal Health, a U.S. firm advancing an immunity-based platform for developing vaccines for honeybees and shrimp. Yuyu said the investment marks a significant step toward becoming a more active global player in animal health.
Jaguar asks European Medicines Agency to review request for Canalevia approval
Jaguar Health has submitted a request to the European Medicines Agency to provide scientific advice regarding the company’s plan to pursue approval of Canalevia in the European Union for treatment of general diarrhea in dogs. The drug, under the name Canalevia-CA1, is conditionally approved in the U.S. as an oral prescription drug for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea in dogs.
National Veterinary Associates names Leslie Storms president of Ethos
National Veterinary Associates announced that Leslie Storms has been appointed president of Ethos Veterinary Health, a network of 140 specialty and emergency care hospitals in North America. Her career includes nearly two decades at Johnson & Johnson, where she served as U.S. president of orthopedics for Johnson & Johnson MedTech and as president of Ethicon U.S.
San Antonio Animal Care Services proposes adding veterinary hospital to campus
City leaders in San Antonio are set to make a decision soon about a project to expand veterinary services at San Antonio Animal Care Services (ACS). A proposal calls for construction of a new veterinary hospital and renovations to the existing clinic, a project estimated at $15.3 million. The facility would also allow the department to perform spay and neuter surgeries onsite.
