Hitting the Road with AlcheraBio
Most of our travel thus far in 2007 has been related to specific projects, but we have attended or spoken at several meetings:
February 2007
Companion Animal Conference: Nice, France
Valentine’s day in the South of France was not a bad idea for a meeting, and since two meetings (companion and production animals) were taking place at the same time, there was a good opportunity for mingling of representatives from both segments of the industry. Although the group was small, there were good discussions, both in the sessions and during the breaks. Dr. Rhodes’ talk covered several areas of innovation in biomedical sciences that have applications to animal health, such as gene therapy, stem cells, transgenic plants as vaccine and pharmaceutical sources, and antimicrobial peptides.
March 2007
Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (ACC&D) Third Symposium: Alexandria, VA
120 attendees from nine countries attended this symposium, which focused on advancing progress in developing and using non-surgical contraception to manage dog and cat populations. Experts in dog and cat reproductive biology presented and assessed the newest research and combined perspectives with experts in animal health drug development. Veterinary leaders joined with animal welfare and advocacy groups, foundation representatives and others. Together these stakeholders looked at “where we are”, what is possible and what is needed for nonsurgical tools to control cat and dog reproduction and deliver programs throughout the world.There were presentations from 37 speakers. Highlights included an announcement by Intervet that Gonazon®, a one-year, reversible contraceptive implant for female dogs, has been launched in Europe and an announcement that Abbott Laboratories will manufacture and distribute Neutersol®, the brand name for zinc gluconate, in the United States. Click on http://www.acc-d.org/ for more information about ACC&D and the 2007 Symposium.
Dr. Linda Rhodes continues to serve on the board of ACC&D.April 2007
Invited Lecture: University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia PA
Dr. Rhodes was invited to give a lecture in the Shelter Medicine course at her alma mater on non-surgical alternatives to spay/neuter surgeries. She reviewed the basic physiology of the various approaches, and the limitations and advantages of various approaches, including the three products that have been available in various countries worldwide – Neutersol®, Suprelorin®, and Gonazon® for dogs. The students asked a lot of tough questions, including why there are not more products approved for dog and cat population control. Good question!
May 2007
American Academy of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (AAVTP)Biennial Symposium: Monterey, CA
AlcheraBio was pleased to be one of the sponsors of the AAVPT 15th biennial symposium. Katherine Moldave represented AlcheraBio at this always interesting meeting. Highlights included several lively sessions related to veterinary drug compounding and sessions on pain control, individualizing patient treatment, skills needed for employment in various sectors, and antibiotic resistance. Dr. Steven Sundlof, director of the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, discussed the melamine pet-food contamination issue. Dr. Peter Lees, who moderated the pain control panel, received the organization’s Lloyd E. David Award in recognition of his outstanding career in veterinary pharmacology. He is Professor of Veterinary Pharmacology at London University Royal Veterinary College in the UK, from which he received his graduate degree. Dr. Lees has been a faculty member at the College since 1964.July 2007
Strategic Alliances in the Animal Health Industry: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
A small but lively group attended this meeting, focusing on strategic alliances and the potential of new product ideas. Dr. Rhodes’ talk reviewed human health pharmaceuticals that have ‘crossed over’ for use in animals (about 40% of the FDA approved animal drugs in the last 15 years) and explored the existing barriers to exploiting human drug development research for animal applications. The attendees voiced their disappointment that more biotechnology and small human pharmaceutical companies were not interested in animal health and were not represented at the meeting, and the organizers lead a discussion of ways to promote dialogue between the human and animal health business development and research groups.July 2007
American Veterinary Medical Association convention: Washington, DC
The 2007 AVMA convention attracted almost 5,100 veterinarians and members of veterinary practice teams as well as more than 300 exhibitors booths. Platinum sponsors included Bayer Animal Health, Hills, Fort Dodge Animal Health, and Merial Limited. AVMA is a family friendly convention, with plenty of trinkets for the kids. Katherine Moldave attended the convention, where she met with several clients and toured the exhibit hall. One of the most interesting presentations on the exhibit floor was Pfizer Animal Health’s session on Cerenia™ (maropitant), the company’s new canine anti-emetic. The product was launched several weeks after the convention.