Zoetis wins approval for monthly flea-fighting pill, setting up three-way rivalry
Zoetis won FDA approval on Feb. 25 for Simparica (sarolaner), a once-monthly chewable pill that fends off fleas and four types of ticks, setting up a three-way race between Zoetis, Merck Animal Health and Sanofi's Merial to capture a global market for antiparasitics that consultant Vetnosis estimates to be worth more than $4 billion a year.
Down on the Roslin's farm? Genetically engineered pigs and chickens
The University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute made headlines after cloning Dolly the sheep, and now the research center is generating more buzz for its work with other animals. Roslin is genetically engineering pigs to resist African swine fever and using similar gene-editing techniques to create chickens that may be resistant to bird flu.
Oasmia repositions chemo drug for dogs in bid to grab larger market
Sweden's Oasmia Pharmaceutical had high hopes for its canine cancer drug, Paccal Vet-CA1, when it snatched the product back from Zoetis last summer. The product, a version of the chemo drug paclitaxel that's specially formulated for dogs, has a conditional approval from the FDA but had been put on the back burner by Zoetis, which was in the midst of downsizing its product portfolio. Oasmia planned to raise $23 million in an initial public offering to support the further development of Paccal Vet-CA1, another veterinary drug it regained from Zoetis called Doxophos Vet, and a suite of drugs for people.
TOP HEADLINES
Featured Story
UPDATED: High-flying Parnell dips on 2015 results and 2016 guidance
Last year, Aussie transplant Parnell Pharmaceuticals enjoyed strong demand in the U.S. for its products aimed at companion and food animals, driving its sales for the year up 58% to AU$13.2 million ($9.4 million), the company announced Feb. 24. It told investors to expect revenues to grow between 50% and 70% this year to at least $14 million.
VCA adds 56 veterinary clinics by snapping up $344M stake in Las Vegas chain
VCA said on February 29 that it would buy up an 80% stake in Companion Animal Practices North America, a Las Vegas-based chain of 56 veterinary hospitals.
Kindred projects increased spending as it preps for first commercial product
Veterinary drug developer Kindred Biosciences, which has faced challenges in its effort to get its first product on the market, reported on March 2 that its net loss for 2015 was flat year-over-year at $27.1 million and that its research and development expenses grew slightly to $19.4 million. The company expects to spend at least $24 million this year shoring up its pipeline and preparing to transition to a commercial enterprise, according to an earnings release.
Zoetis launches first genomic test for predicting common diseases in Holsteins
Zoetis is offering a test that can predict disease risk in Holsteins based on their genes--a tool that could help dairy managers selectively breed healthier herds. The product, called Clarifide Plus, is the first U.S.-based genomic test for the 6 most common and costly diseases among Holstein cattle, according to the company.
Pet obesity on the rise as owners treat animals like humans: Report
Obesity is a growing problem in humans, feeding into a global epidemic. But more pets are also developing the condition as owners treat their animals like people instead of animals, one global animal health organization said.
Animal health boosts Bayer's sales growth but 2016 forecast disappoints
On Feb. 25, Bayer announced that sales in its fourth quarter grew nearly 5% year over year to €11.3 billion ($12.3 billion) and that it pulled in total revenues for 2015 of €46.3 billion ($50.6 billion), up 12%.
From Our Sister Sites
In this week's EuroBiotech Report, Genfit has pulled in €49.6 million ($53.9 million) in a private placement. The money will see Genfit through the next two years, giving it the flexibility to wait for an opportune moment to hit go on its Nasdaq IPO plans. And more.
A little more than a year after nailing down a $45 million launch round, Neil Woodford has joined in a $60 million follow-up raise for Autolus aimed at accelerating its research into next-gen CAR-T drugs.
POPULAR COMMENT THREADS