Scientists at the UK firm PetMedix, have created a system which could help make better potential new antibody medicines for dogs.
In collaboration with the animal health branch of EARA member Boehringer Ingelheim, the team created a genetically-altered mouse (Ky9), which contains some dog DNA, meaning it can then produce antibodies specific for dogs.
These antibodies can be used to find better candidates for drugs to treat diseases in dogs, as they can bind to targets more efficiently than mouse antibodies.
This is the first-ever system for producing dog antibodies via mice.
Dr Tom Weaver, CEO of PetMedix, said the platform offered the chance to ‘discover antibodies with best-in-class potential’ and the company would now work on a similar system to produce antibodies for cats.