Weekly Companion Animal News: October 27, 2025
Inspire Veterinary Partners to launch online pet pharmacy
Inspire Veterinary Partners announced its intention to launch an online pharmacy in the first quarter of 2026 offering prescription medications and over-the-counter products. The company will launch the pharmacy within specific geographies followed by expansion throughout 2026 into national distribution. Inspire is an owner of general practice veterinary clinics in the United States.
MI:RNA receives funding for early diagnosis of OA in dogs
MI:RNA, a Scotland-based veterinary diagnostics company, received funding from Scotland’s national and international economic development agency, Scottish Enterprise, to support the development of a non-invasive test that uses AI and a biological marker called microRNA to lead to early detection of OA in dogs. Current OA diagnostic methods rely on clinical observation and imaging.
Researchers seek to build the science on nebulizers for respiratory issues
Very little published research exists to guide veterinarians on how to make the most effective nebulizer choices, according to two researchers at Texas A&M: Dr. Rebecca Legere and Dr. Dusty Nagy. Veterinary use has largely been based on manufacturers’ instructions, but these recommendations often lack information on ideal device settings, drug formulations or proper dosages, they report. The researchers intend to start the conversation and build the science.
NC State professor to develop measures of chronic pain in dogs
As part of its effort to combat opioid addiction, the National Institutes of Health awarded a $5.5 million grant to Dr. Margaret Gruen, professor of behavioral medicine at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, to measure the effect chronic pain has on how dogs think and behave. The five-year project aims to measure cognition, emotion and enjoyment of life and then assess the difference between dogs with chronic pain and those without.
ImpriMed, veterinary oncology firm, appoints Valerie Goodwin-Adams COO
ImpriMed, the Palo Alto, California-based developer of precision medicine for oncology, appointed Valerie Goodwin-Adams as chief commercial officer, with responsibility for global sales, marketing and commercial operations. The move comes as ImpriMed announced the processing of its 10,000th canine live cancer cell sample, a reflection of “the growing demand in veterinary oncology and its readiness to commercialize human services and products in 2026,” according to the firm.
Clemson opens applications for inaugural veterinary medicine class
Clemson University has officially opened the application window for the inaugural class of its new Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine. The DVM program will culminate in an intensive fourth year of clinical training, supported by a network of clinical partners throughout South Carolina, providing hands-on experience in various veterinary settings, according to Clemson.
Antech gets Canadian OK to market canine and feline screening tests
Antech announced the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) granted regulatory approval for trūRapid FOUR, an in-house canine vectorborne disease screening test, and trūRapid FIV/FeLV, a test that simultaneously screens for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) antibodies and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) antigen.
Genetic research could provide solution to dachshunds’ spinal disease
Genetic research by Dr. Stacey Sullivan, professor of practice in neurology and neurosurgery in the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, may lead to improved outcomes among dachshunds with painful and debilitating spinal disease. Her research has shown that dachshunds with fewer copies of the FGF4L2 gene variant –the gene responsible for short limb length – have a dramatically lower risk of developing intervertebral disc disease.
