Innovation in Animal Health: New Technologies Tackling a Range of Diseases

New products and/or technologies are currently being developed to curb the morbidity and mortality associated with certain conditions—often common to both humans and animals—such as cancer, osteoarthritis, obesity, and so on. These promising innovations were presented at the 2015 Animal Health Investment Forum, which took place in September in Kansas City (United States).   At this international forum dedicated to innovation in animal health, numerous companies presented their latest therapeutic developments to potential investors. Although some of these innovations still require a few more years of development before becoming operational, they are contributing to progress in the fight against disease in animals. > A canine cancer treatment using immunotherapy (known as ECI, or Elias Cancer Immunotherapy) is being developed by Elias Animal Health (Kansas). The protocol combines treatment with personalized “killer T cells”—derived from T lymphocytes taken from a resected tumor in a dog with cancer—with vaccination of the animal, triggering an immune response against tumor cells. Clinical trials are underway for the treatment of osteosarcoma, with others to follow for lymphoma. > A treatment for muscle atrophy and obesity in pets is being studied at Emmyon (Iowa). It is based on the anabolic effects of ursolic acid (found in apple peels, as well as in basil, blackberries, blueberries, rosemary, oregano, thyme, and plums) and tomatidine (derived from tomatoes), which help increase muscle mass while reducing fat. > A compound called PowerGait, meanwhile, targets bone and joint conditions in dogs and equines. The treatment, developed by FreeStride Therapeutics (Michigan), is available in tablet form for dogs and as a paste for equines. It prevents bone and tissue damage from worsening and promotes the regeneration of damaged tissue. Applications range from osteoarthritis to stress-related orthopedic injuries. > Produced via gene therapy, an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, administered via intra-articular injection, helps inhibit inflammation and cartilage degeneration, as well as relieve the pain associated with osteoarthritis. This treatment, developed by GeneQuine Biotherapeutics (Germany), is currently being studied in horses and dogs. > To address the shortage of intravenous fluids, IMT-Vet (New Jersey) is launching a veterinary solution based on dextran, liposomes, and nutrients. The isotonic fluid, called Dexsome® 510, in addition to its rehydration and cytoprotective properties, has applications in cell preservation (biopsies) and organ transplantation. It can be used in cases requiring a crystalloid or colloid solution. > An intravenous infusion currently in development (Zox®) is capable of delivering oxygen exclusively to hypoxic cells and damaged tissues, facilitating oxygen uptake by these cells and tissues while preventing the effects of hyperoxia in healthy tissues. Initial studies conducted by Omniox (California) also show that this infusion increases the effectiveness of radiation therapy for canine cancer. > To halt the inflammatory cascade associated with laminitis in horses, an injectable product (Laminil®) is offered by Willowcraft Pharm (Colorado). It is a mast cell stabilizer that inhibits calcium ion activation, thereby blocking inflammatory mediators in mast cells. The product is administered via infusion into the distal part of the limb.   Other innovative companies in animal health and nutrition presented the results of their research to the investment forum’s jury:

• Magnomics (Portugal) has developed a field-based DNA test using nanotechnology that identifies pathogenic bacteria in milk (mastitis) as well as antimicrobial resistance. This Portuguese company received the 2015 Innovation Award, along with a check for $2,500;
• Anivax (Arizona) offers a vaccine against Campylobacter jejuni to be administered via nebulization or in drinking water to broiler chickens;
• EcoPlanet (Montana) is developing a treatment for dehydration associated with diarrhea in farm animals, based on a natural source of electrolytes orally and a nutritional supplement;
• Elevated Health Systems (Kansas) has designed an automated UV-C germicidal lamp for environmental sanitation and infection control;
• iNovotec Animal Care (Missouri) offers a pH and temperature sensor that is inserted into cows’ rumens to monitor herd health and evaluate animal feed programs;
• Integrated Animal Health (Kansas) offers a line of products to be incorporated into cattle feed to combat mastitis, diarrhea, and parasites (flies and ticks);
• Precision Animal Solutions (Kansas) offers a remote detection system to identify calves with bovine respiratory syndrome based on their activity levels in fattening facilities;
• Quantified Ag (Nebraska) has developed sensors that provide behavioral and biometric data to detect sick calves in fattening facilities;
• TekWear (Georgia) offers an interactive, hands-free voice system for recording information and data in the field;
• VetStem Biopharma (California) has developed stem cell-derived therapeutics to treat canine and equine osteoarthritis, as well as chronic feline renal failure.

  Most of these innovations currently in development have not yet been brought to market. However, this forum offers growing companies the opportunity to present their products and business plans to potential investors. In recent years, these companies have raised approximately $160 million. Several have also secured licensing agreements or distribution contracts. This global event thus helps drive innovation in the animal health industry.