BI’s Senvelgo Treats Feline Diabetes
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Senvelgo (velagliflozin oral solution), the first oral liquid medication for treating feline diabetes. According to the manufacturer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Senvelgo reduces elevated blood glucose levels as soon as one week after the start of treatment. The once-daily prescription medication should be available to U.S. veterinarians by mid-October.
Nationwide Policyholders Get More Choices
Nationwide pet health insurance now allows customers to customize their policies by choosing between annual maximum or unlimited accident coverage, adding or declining illness and wellness coverage, selecting medical reimbursement levels of up to 90%, and picking the annual deductible. “Nationwide’s new build-your-own-plan offering … offers maximum flexibility to choose the kind of protection they want at a price point they can afford,” said Heidi Sirota, the insurer’s chief pet officer and president.
Mars Acquires European Diagnostics Lab
Mars Inc., whose veterinary properties include the Banfield and VCA hospital networks, agreed to acquire the assets of Synlab Vet, a European provider of specialist veterinary laboratory diagnostics. “This acquisition will enable the Science and Diagnostics Division of Mars Petcare to expand its veterinary laboratory business in Europe in addition to its full-service global veterinary diagnostic offerings across veterinary labs, point of care, imaging and software,” the company stated. The terms were not disclosed.
U.S. Senate Forms Veterinary Medicine Caucus
The American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges praised the U.S. Senate’s first-ever establishment of a Veterinary Medicine Caucus. “The caucus will focus on increasing awareness toward veterinary-related matters in Congress, educating lawmakers and their staffs about the challenges facing the profession, and advancing legislation that benefits the veterinary community,” the AVMA reported.
Greenies Adds Probiotic Meal Topper
Greenies expanded its line of pet supplements with the release of Digestive Probiotic Supplement Powder for Dogs. The meal topper is formulated to promote intestinal microbiome and optimal stool quality, according to the Mars Petcare-owned brand. Each box contains a one-month supply of 30 packets.
Virox Technologies Improves Prevail Line
Virox Technologies updated the formula behind Prevail Ready-to-Use disinfectants and Prevail Wipes. Available in Canada, the enhanced products promote an expanded list of over 25 new virucidal claims and 25 new bactericidal claims. Prevail also has a three-year shelf life when opened or unopened.
WSAVA to Honor Dr. Laurel Kaddatz
Dr. Laurel Kaddatz, a Florida veterinarian and former president of the North American Veterinary Community, will receive the World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s 2023 Global Meritorious Service award. The honor will be bestowed in September during the WSAVA World Congress in Lisbon, Portugal. Dr. Kaddatz, a longtime WSAVA member, chaired the Financial Advisory Committee and serves as treasurer of the organization’s charitable foundation.
BetterVet Gets a New Look
The mobile veterinary practice BetterVet rebranded itself with a new logo, website and mobile app. “The launch of BetterVet’s redesigned website and user-friendly app unrolled enhanced features that make it easier for pet parents to access expert vet care services,” according to the company. “The intuitive interface allows users to schedule appointments with just a few taps.”
Mixlab Attracts $10 Million in Funding
Mixlab, which operates veterinary pharmacies in New York, Los Angeles and Florida, announced a $10 million funding round led by Vanterra Ventures. “The investment will fuel Mixlab’s ambitious growth plans, allowing the company to further expand its operations and product offering, continue to enhance its technology platform and reach profitability,” Mixlab reported. The company is licensed in all 50 states and has more than 1,800 monthly active veterinary practices on its platform.
Crinetics Shares Anti-Aging Product With Loyal
Crinetics Pharmaceuticals Inc., a clinical-stage drug company in human medicine, granted an exclusive worldwide veterinary license for the compound CRN01941. The license holder, Loyal, is part of the veterinary therapeutics company Cellular Longevity Inc. CRN01941, now referred to as LOY-003, is an injectable medicine formulated to extend the life span and health span of large-breed dogs.