Weekly Companion Animal News: January 26, 2026
IDEXX expands panel to include canine mast cell tumor
IDEXX announced the expansion of its IDEXX Cancer Dx Panel to include canine mast cell tumor detection, starting mid-year 2026 in North America, and the rollout of FNA cytology on the IDEXX inVue Dx Cellular Analyzer as of late Q4 2025. The company reports that over time, IDEXX inVue Dx FNA cytology will expand beyond mast cell tumors to include additional menu items.
Loyal reports crossing next bridge to conditional FDA approval for lifespan Rx
Loyal announced that the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine has accepted the Target Animal Safety (TAS) technical section of its conditional approval application for LOY-002, the company’s lead drug program to extend the healthy lifespan of senior dogs. With the Reasonable Expectation of Effectiveness (RXE) and TAS sections now complete, LOY-002 has earned FDA acceptance for two of three major technical sections required for market launch.
Anivive receives full FDA approval for Laverdia, oral treatment for canine lymphoma
The FDA granted full approval of Laverdia (verdinexor tablets) to treat dogs with lymphoma. Laverdia prevents certain proteins from leaving the nucleus of cancer cells, thereby allowing these proteins to control the growth and prevent the spread of cancerous cells in dogs. The FDA initially granted Laverdia conditional approval in January 2021 through the Minor Use/Minor Species pathway.
OS Animal Health to pursue IPO to develop canine cancer therapy
OS Therapies Inc., a developer of listeria-based cancer immunotherapies, announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, OS Animal Health Corp (OSAH) is preparing for an Initial Public Offering. The company cited research showing similarities in the molecular makeup and clinical behavior of human and canine osteosarcoma. OSAH intends to focus on OST-HER2, an experimental immunotherapy, for osteosarcoma in canines as well as the treatment of HER2-positive cancers in animals.
Veterinarians ill-prepared to discuss financial barriers with clients: PetSmart Charities survey
Cost is cited as a reason pet owners decline treatment more than any other factor, according to part 2 of PetSmart Charities-Gallup’s State of Pet Care Study. Despite affordability concerns, many veterinarians say they received little or no formal training on how to discuss financial barriers with clients. Results for the study were based on a web-based survey of 933 practicing veterinarians between Sept. 9 and Oct. 5, 2025.
Researchers study impact of flea and tick medications on insects in the wild
French researchers have published a study finding that common medications used for flea and tick control in dogs and cats may pose a significant environmental risk for insects in the wild, including flies, dung beetles and some butterflies. The researchers detected two of the four active substances in isoxazoline antiparasitic drugs in pet feces after the end of the recommended treatment period.
San Diego Humane Society to build community veterinary hospital
The San Diego Humane Society is planning to build a community veterinary hospital to provide low-cost care and 10,000 to 15,000 spay and neuter appointments each year. The 10,000-square-foot facility would include exam rooms, surgical suites, a dental suite, radiology services and a spay and neuter center. So far, the nonprofit has raised $3 million of the estimated $12 million needed to complete the project.
Indiana bill to address veterinary shortage passes state Senate
A bill authored by Indiana State Sen. Jean Leising that would give out-of-state veterinary professionals the opportunity to care for animals in Indiana passed the Senate with unanimous support on Jan. 5. Senate Bill 56 would allow the Board of Veterinary Medicine to issue licenses without requiring an examination for applicants who have licenses and experience working in other states. The law would bring veterinarians under the same rules that apply for other types of health care professionals.
