Vetigenics has announced the dosing of the first patient in its groundbreaking CHECKMATE K9 pilot clinical study at the University of Wisconsin, marking the first dual immune checkpoint inhibitor trial in dogs with solid tumors. The research initiative combines VGS 001 (anti-cCTLA-4 monoclonal antibody) with VGS 002 (anti-cPD-1 monoclonal antibody) and was inspired by landmark dual immune checkpoint inhibitor studies in human cancer.
Study Design and Collaboration
The open-label multisite evaluation involves seven leading veterinary oncology investigators across academic centers and one animal hospital. The study will assess safety and preliminary signals of efficacy for the combination therapy in dogs with a variety of solid tumors.
The collaborative research team includes distinguished veterinary oncologists: Jeff Bryan, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Oncology); Tim Fan, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM), DACVIM (Oncology); Cheryl London, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Oncology); Nicola Mason, BVetMed, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM), FRCVS; Doug Thamm, VMD, DACVIM (Oncology); Chelsea Tripp, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology); and David Vail, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology).
Clinical Significance and Expert Perspectives
"Advancing immunotherapy options for our canine patients is a critical step forward," said Dr. Vail, principal investigator at the University of Wisconsin and renowned expert in canine cancer care. "By exploring dual checkpoint blockade in dogs, we're doing two important things—giving veterinarians better tools to fight aggressive tumors in pets, and building a stronger bridge between animal and human cancer research. The insights we gain here can truly advance cancer treatment across species."
Company Vision and Previous Results
Vetigenics CEO Adriann Sax emphasized the potential impact of the combination approach: "As single agents, these antibodies have shown strong safety and tolerability results, as well as encouraging therapeutic responses. We now have an exciting opportunity to advance our understanding of ICI combination therapy in pet dogs. Vetigenics' vision is to ultimately bring these innovative treatments to pet parents as an accessible and affordable option in combating a variety of canine cancers."
Technology Platform
The study leverages Vetigenics' proprietary CANIBODY™ technology, which the company describes as unlocking faster, more cost-effective, and ethical solutions to develop superior antibodies proven effective in humans with cancer and chronic diseases but created specifically for pets. The clinical-stage animal health biopharmaceutical company focuses on advancing targeted antibody therapies for pets from a platform designed to provide unlimited therapeutic potential.
The company's innovative technology and pioneering expertise in antibody discovery and development are trusted by global animal health partners and the National Cancer Institute. Details on the trial and open sites are available at vetigenics.com.
