Weekly Companion Animal News: January 5, 2026
Boehringer Ingelheim’s Vetmedin fully approved to delay onset of CHF in dogs
The FDA supplemented the existing approval of Vetmedin (pimobendan) chewable tablets for dogs to include a new indication – to delay the onset of congestive heart failure in dogs with Stage B2 preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Vetmedin was conditionally approved in 2022 for this new indication under the FDA’s conditional approval authority.
Elanco receives USDA approval of Trutect for canine parvovirus
Elanco Animal Health announced its Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody (CPMA) received full approval from the USDA and will join Elanco’s Tru portfolio under the name Trutect. In 2023, the USDA provided a conditional license for CPMA as the first and only approved therapeutic solution to treat parvo. Parvo affects more than 330,000 puppies annually with up to a 91% mortality rate without supportive care, according to Elanco.
Red Bank Veterinary Hospital launches PET/CT diagnostic services
Red Bank Veterinary Hospital (Red Bank, New Jersey) announced the addition of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) to its diagnostic services. According to the hospital, PET/CT offers unmatched precision in locating and characterizing tumors, earlier diagnosis before clinical signs appear, better treatment planning and enhanced monitoring of treatment response and recurrence.
Cardone Ventures submits unsolicited bid for PetMed Express
Cardone Ventures submitted an unsolicited, non-binding proposal to acquire PetMed Express Inc. for $4.25 per share in cash, representing an implied equity value of approximately $89 million. “PetMeds’ national pet pharmacy platform, customer relationships, fulfillment infrastructure, and regulatory capabilities present a compelling opportunity for operational enhancement under private ownership,” Cardone said in a press release.
Dr. Lisa Freeman receives canine health award from AKC
Dr. Lisa Freeman, veterinary nutritionist and professor at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, was awarded the 2025 Canine Health Discovery of the Year Award from the AKC Canine Health Foundation for her research into diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy.
Canada and the UK to enhance collaboration in regulation of veterinary medicines
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the UK’s Veterinary Medicines Directorate signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance their collaboration in the regulatory oversight of veterinary biologics, including pre-market assessments and approvals. The agreement calls for CFIA and VMD to share scientific expertise and information, discuss common priorities and explore joint reviews of veterinary biological products.
Elanco receives FDA conditional approval for treatment of new world screwworm in dogs
Elanco Animal Health has received conditional approval from the FDA for Credelio Quattro-CA1 (lotilaner, moxidectin, praziquantel, and pyrantel chewable tablets) for the treatment of infestations caused by New World screwworm larvae in dogs. This action follows previous Emergency Use Authorizations for Credelio (lotilaner) and Credelio CAT (lotilaner) to treat New World screwworm in dogs and cats, respectively. Credelio Quattro-CA1 is conditionally approved pending a full demonstration of effectiveness.
Researchers investigate how to stop spread of bone cancer in dogs and humans
Researchers at the University of Colorado Cancer Center are studying how connective tissue cells in the lungs, called fibroblasts, promote metastasis of osteosarcoma in dogs. They will try to target a signaling pathway called focal adhesion kinase, or FAK, to stop fibroblasts from encouraging metastasis. The researchers will conduct additional research to evaluate the FAK target in human osteosarcoma patient tumor samples.
