VetDC Inc. reported today that it has acquired North American veterinary rights to Gilead Sciences Inc.’s investigational molecule, GS 9219, for use in animal cancer. VetDC is a Colorado State University startup based in Fort Collins, Colo. The product development company focuses on in-licensing, developing and commercializing human biomedical technologies for use in dogs and cats. “This deal demonstrates VetDC’s capabilities in partnering with leading biotechnology companies, like Gilead, to acquire novel technologies for development and commercialization in companion animal settings,” said Steven Roy, president and CEO of VetDC. “The transaction with Gilead is a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to license innovative products and intellectual properties that will advance veterinary medicine.” GS 9219, as described by VetDC, is an anti-proliferative agent that preferentially targets lymphoid cells and works by inhibiting cellular DNA synthesis, leading to the induction of apoptosis, or programmed cell death. An intravenous version of GS 9219 was evaluated for the treatment of canine lymphoma in a recently completed animal study. The product was well tolerated and demonstrated significant activity against spontaneous non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in pet dog subjects (n=38), according to VetDC. These results suggest GS 9219 could be an important new therapeutic option for animals suffering from lymphoma, the company added. <Home>
