LifeLearn partnership supports human-animal bond researchJuly 16, 2019Research exploring the mutually beneficial health benefits of people and companion animals may soon receive a boost, thanks to a new partnership between LifeLearn Animal Health and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI).
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Elanco Animal Health to acquire Aratana TherapeuticsApril 30, 2019Elanco Animal Health has signed an agreement to acquire Aratana Therapeutics. The deal allows Elanco to integrate the Aratana portfolio of pet therapeutics into its companion animal therapeutics business. "Aratana has been one of the most innovative start-ups in animal health, bringing breakthrough solutions to the market," says Elanco president and chief executive officer, Jeff Simmons. "We look forward to putting greater energy behind these brands with our increased share of voice in the field and leveraging." The deal is structured as a stock-for-stock transaction and remains subject to customary closing conditions. The contract must be approved by Aratana stockholders and clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. "This proposed transaction acknowledges Aratana's contribution of pet therapeutics to the animal health industry, specifically recognizing our strong track record as a drug developer and our field team's unmatched expertise delivering innovation to veterinary specialists," says Aratana president and chief executive officer, Craig Tooman. "We believe Elanco will help expand our portfolio with its substantial resources and presence within the companion animal segment."
Vets Plus acquires Merrick's Animal HealthDecember 28, 2018A Wisconsin-based manufacturer of veterinary nutrition products has acquired Merrick’s Animal Health. Vets Plus will wholly-own the subsidiary, which makes boluses, tablets, powders, and electrolytes for the production animal industry.
AVMA named animal health organization of the yearNovember 1, 2018The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) was named 2018 Animal Health Organization of the Year by the Pet Philanthropy Circle during its annual Pet Hero Awards.
Morris Animal Foundation names new president and CEOSeptember 25, 2018Morris Animal Foundation announced that Tiffany Grunert is the organization's new president and CEO. Grunert, who joined the foundation in 2017 as vice president of marketing and brand strategy, has been serving as acting president and CEO since February 2018. Grunert takes charge of a $15 million annual budget, an $80 million endowment, and 40 employees. Morris Animal Foundation funds more than 200 scientific studies annually and has contributed more than $118 million over 70 years to advance the health and well-being of animals around the world. Established in 1948, it acts to advance veterinary medicine, protect endangered species, and train new scientists. "With Morris Animal Foundation's rich and beautiful history, and our bright future to continue to advance animal health, I am honored to serve as the next president and CEO," Grunert said. "The foundation's board of trustees has entrusted me with an organization of enormous importance and deep value. I recognize the magnitude of our current efforts and the need to advance our strategic initiatives to grow our impact. We must ensure that there is always a robust resource to improve animal health." As acting president and CEO, Grunert advanced the Golden Retriever Lifetime …
Cornell Animal Health Hackathon reveals vet student ingenuityFebruary 21, 2018In Ithaca, N.Y., nearly 200 students competed this January to discover the next big breakthrough concept in animal health and earn $5,000 in cash and prizes at the second annual Cornell Animal Health Hackathon. The competition, co-hosted by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and Entrepreneurship at Cornell, invited students from any college or major to develop innovative solutions for the animal health sector. Students from Cornell, Binghamton University, Georgia Tech, New York University, and Tufts University competed. "The Animal Health Hackathon is intended to be an immersion learning experience for students to build business and entrepreneurship skills," said Lorin D. Warnick, the Austin O. Hooey Dean of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell. "The veterinary profession continues to diversify to fill vital roles in society and offering comprehensive business and entrepreneurship opportunities for students is a core strategic priority for the college." During the event, student teams collaborated with veterinarian and entrepreneurial mentors from around the U.S. After 50 original ideas were pitched and groups formed, 10 teams presented their concepts. "The energy and the passion in that room were palpable," said keynote speaker and Cornell alumnus Ted Sprinkle, CEO of Pet Partners LLC. "Normally, at …
Study finds raw diets for pets place animals, owners at riskJanuary 18, 2018A new study by Utrecht University scientists, published in British veterinary journal Vet Record, found that raw meat-based diets (RMBD) for pets places owners at risk of serious disease. The study, which analyzed 35 RMBDs from eight brands, revealed that E. coli 0157 was isolated from eight products (23 percent), Salmonella species in seven products (20 percent), and Listeria species were present in 15 products (43 percent). Four products (11 percent) found the parasite Sarcocystis cruzi; another four contained Sarcocystis tenella. Two products (6 percent) revealed Toxoplasma gondii. Researchers also found evidence the raw meat harbored antibiotic-resistant bacteria. "Despite the relatively low sample size of frozen products in our study, it is clear that commercial RMBDs may be contaminated with a variety of zoonotic bacterial and parasitic pathogens that may be a possible source of bacterial infections in pet animals and if transmitted pose a risk for human beings," they added. Pets fed RMBDs can pass pathogens to humans through direct contact, such as licking or brushing up against them, according to scientists. Researchers wrote that pathogens also can be transferred through direct contact with the food, through contact with household surfaces, or by ingesting cross-contaminated human food. RMBDs …
AVMA opens nominations for annual Excellence AwardsOctober 13, 2017The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has opened the nomination period for its annual Excellence Awards, which recognize contributions by veterinarians and nonveterinarians to the veterinary profession as well as animal health and welfare. The AVMA award categories The AVMA Award: Recognizes a member who has contributed to the advancement of veterinary medicine in its organizational aspects. Meritorious Service Award: Recognizes a member who has brought honor and distinction to the veterinary profession through personal, professional, or community service activities outside organized veterinary medicine and research. Advocacy Award: Recognizes a member or nonveterinarian for advancing the AVMA legislative agenda and advocating on behalf of the veterinary profession. Animal Welfare Award: This award recognizes a member for accomplishments in the field of animal welfare in leadership, public service, education, research or product development, or advocacy. Career Achievement Award in Canine Research: Honors a member's long-term contribution to the field of canine research. Clinical Research Award: Recognizes a member's achievements in patient-oriented research. Humane Award: Recognizes a nonveterinarian for accomplishments in the field of animal welfare in leadership, public service, education, research or product development, or advocacy. Lifetime Excellence in Research Award: Recognizes a veterinarian for lifetime …
MAF explores study diversity, applications to animal healthSeptember 18, 2017According to a new research paper from the Morris Animal Foundation (MAF), determining what type of research study to do, and when, are key decisions scientists must make when embarking on a new project. In an editorial published Sept. 11, 2017, in the International Animal Health Journal, "Epidemiology and its Application to Animal Health," Missy Simpson, DVM, intramural research scientist and epidemiologist with MAF, provides guidance on study types for veterinary researchers and animal health scientists. The editorial is an overview of study types, and highlights MAF's Golden Retriever Lifetime Study as an example of a cohort study, and also discusses advances in store for observational studies. "Health research is diverse and varied and covers a spectrum from basic research—which describes the early discovery and development phase—to applied research," said Dr. Simpson. "Each phase of research is essential to move scientific discovery forward and advance health." In the paper, Simpson discusses interventional research consisting of clinical trials, and observational research, including descriptive studies, case-series studies, case-control studies, and ecologic, retrospective, and longitudinal studies. "An advantage of performing clinical trials in animals is that health outcomes tend to be achieved on …
KC Animal Health Investment Forum companies vie for fundingSeptember 14, 2017By Veterinary Practice News Editors The Kansas City Animal Health Corridor hosted emerging animal health companies from around the world in August at the ninth annual KC Animal Health Investment Forum, which joins animal health start-ups with more than 400 executives and investors. The forum allows early- and mid-stage animal health entrepreneurs to present their business plans to potential investors, giving venture capital funds, investment firms, and potential partners an inside look at the newest technology and innovations. "In many cases, small companies are where new innovation comes from and this is really a place where you see them showcased," said Karthik Ramachandran, vice president and co-founder of Likarda, a cell-based therapy company and forum emcee. "The forum is a unique chance to meet investors, network, and find mentors, advisors and potential partners. It gives entrepreneurs real resources they need to make their dreams reality." This year, 18 animal health companies from around the world were selected to showcase their ideas from a highly competitive group of applicants. Entrepreneurs had 15 minutes to present their ideas in a "Shark Tank" format. Presenting companies sought $500,000 to $20 million in funding and project revenue of $20 million within …
