Immunis, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative secretomes for age-related diseases and immune dysfunction, has launched non-terminal safety studies for canine muscle atrophy in collaboration with VetBio Partners, LLC. This follows the successful preclinical results of Immunis’ investigational secretome, IMM01-STEM (formerly IMMUNA), in aged mouse models. Building on the momentum of its STEM-MYO and STEM-META clinical programs, Immunis is now expanding its research with the parallel STEM-K9 program to explore potential treatments for dogs suffering from muscle atrophy.
“We have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on animal health,” said Dr. Peter Canning, Principal Consultant at VetBio Partners. “As more people consider their pets as family members, there’s a growing desire to ensure they enjoy a high quality of life well into their senior years.” Dr. Canning, with over 30 years of experience in veterinary pharmaceutical product discovery and development, will play a key role in guiding Immunis through its preclinical trials.
Muscle atrophy in dogs, caused by aging, inactivity, or health conditions, is a significant issue with limited research. Despite the strong negative correlation between age and lean muscle mass in canines, muscle loss remains underexplored. Muscle wasting in dogs is also linked to serious conditions such as congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, cancer, and osteoarthritis (OA).
“Our approach to the animal studies mirrors the rigorous standards we apply in our human clinical trials,” explained Dr. Hans Keirstead, Chairman of Immunis. “We are committed to advancing care for canines in the same responsible, controlled manner as we do for humans, with the ultimate goal of improving mobility and quality of life.” The non-terminal nature of these studies ensures the ethical treatment of all canine participants.
Immunis’ expansion into animal health reflects the company’s commitment to translating its innovative therapies across species. This approach could lead to new solutions for treating age-related conditions in both humans and their companion animals.
About VetBio Partners
VetBio Partners, LLC is a consulting firm that provides R&D services to human health biopharmaceutical companies with technologies applicable to animal health. With over 35 years of experience in drug discovery and development, VetBio Partners helps assess the efficacy and safety of new technologies while advancing client programs. The firm also supports business development through connections within major animal health pharmaceutical companies.
About Immunis Inc.
Immunis is a biotechnology company focused on developing novel immunomodulatory secretome therapies to address immune decline associated with aging and disease. The company’s investigational products utilize cutting-edge secretome technology to deliver natural, human immune modulators in their physiological concentrations, aiming to improve health outcomes for both humans and animals.
