Vetigenics, a clinical-stage animal health biotechnology company, has secured $6 million in seed funding to advance its innovative pipeline of antibody therapeutics for companion animals. The funding will support the acceleration of clinical-stage programs, development of preclinical candidates, and expansion of manufacturing capabilities.
Clinical Trial Progress in Canine Cancer Treatment
The company has achieved significant milestones in two major cancer trials. The first study evaluating VGS-001, an anti-cCTLA4 antibody therapy, combined with palliative radiation for treating canine oral melanoma, has completed enrollment. Results from this groundbreaking study are anticipated for publication in 2025.
Additionally, a trial investigating VGS-002, an anti-PD1 therapy, as a monotherapy for dogs with urothelial carcinoma is approaching completion, with promising results expected later this year.
Expanding Therapeutic Portfolio
Beyond oncology, Vetigenics is advancing several preclinical programs targeting autoimmune disease, obesity, and allergies in pets. A notable candidate, VGS-003, an anti-cCD19 monoclonal antibody, has shown promising results in vivo and is scheduled to enter clinical trials by the end of 2025.
Strategic Leadership Enhancement
To support its growth trajectory, Vetigenics has assembled a distinguished board of directors, including:
- Dr. Chand Khanna, a renowned expert in comparative oncology and translational medicine
- Stephen Lesser, JD, MBA, bringing extensive biotechnology and life sciences advisory experience
- Dr. Caleb Frankel, a pioneering force in veterinary EMR technology
- Adriann Sax, MBA, serving as President, CEO and co-founder
"The funding underscores the confidence our investor partners have in our ability to achieve significant progress in a capital-efficient manner," stated Adriann Sax. "They share our belief in the potential of biologics to treat a variety of diseases in pets and the unique capabilities of Vetigenics to stay ahead in this evolving field."
Dr. Nicola Mason, co-founder and clinical investigator, emphasized the clinical impact: "It is very exciting to see Vetigenics' checkpoint inhibitors safely addressing significant unmet needs in common veterinary cancers."
The company's proprietary CANIBODY library technology has demonstrated versatility in generating novel antibodies across various therapeutic areas and species. This technological platform, combined with the recent funding and strategic leadership additions, positions Vetigenics to make significant advances in veterinary medicine throughout 2025.
