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Phibro Animal Health Corporation and Rejuvenate Bio Announce Agreement to Develop Gene Therapy for Mitral Valve Disease in Canines
TEANECK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Phibro Animal Health Corporation (Nasdaq:PAHC) and Rejuvenate Bio, Inc. today announced a collaboration for the development
About this update from Phibro Animal Health Corporation
[{"type":"text","content":" TEANECK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--\nPhibro Animal Health Corporation (Nasdaq:PAHC) and Rejuvenate Bio, Inc. today announced a collaboration for the development and commercialization of a gene therapy for Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) in canines (dogs).\n\nThe incidence of MVD varies widely but is believed to be present in about 7% of all dogs and can be as high as 80% for some breeds such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Rejuvenate Bio has received support from the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club for this research.\n\nMVD is caused by a malfunction of the Mitral Valve which allows blood to flow backward from the heart's lower chamber (ventricle) to the upper chamber (atrium). The condition often results in and is diagnosed by a characteristic 'murmur'. The disease may have few or no outward effects at first, but over months or years can progress to congestive heart failure and death.\n\nCurrent therapies have been proven to slow the course of MVD, but no therapy is available to stop the disease or reverse the damage. The objective of the collaboration between Phibro and Rejuvenate Bio is to develop and commercialize a novel gene therapy with the intent to not only stop MVD before it results in heart failure but reverse some or all the damage done to the heart.\n\nThomas Zerzan, President of the Companion Animal Division at Phibro Animal Health, stated, \"We have confidence that our collaboration with Rejuvenate Bio will meet our goal to bring about an effective gene therapy that will revolutionize the way veterinarians treat MVD, adding healthy, happy years to the life of a dog who suffers from this disease.”\n\nDaniel Oliver, CEO of Rejuvenate Bio, stated, “We are excited to work with Phibro to make the treatment of MVD a reality. We expect to file for a conditional approval as early as 2023. We view this as a first step to tackling numerous age-related diseases that affect the animals we love.”\n\nThe effort to develop a gene therapy for MVD is based on research and discoveries made in the lab at Harvard Medical School and the Wyss Institute by genetics scientist and startup founder, George Church.\n\nAbout Phibro Animal Health Corporation\n\nPhibro Animal Health Corporation is a leading global diversified animal health and mineral nutrition company. We strive to be a trusted partner with livestock producers, farmers...