New stem cell therapy for dogs launched in NZ

New stem cell therapy for dogs launched in NZ

A breakthrough stem cell therapy is being launched in New Zealand – offering a new lease on life for dogs suffering from degenerative joint disease.

New Zealand’s largest companion animal veterinary group, Pet Doctors, has announced a national license agreement to treat dogs with a stem cell technology called AdiCellTM.

Pet Doctors has partnered with Regeneus Pty Ltd, a Sydney-based pioneering biotech company, to distribute AdicellTM here. New Zealand will be only the third country in the world, following the US and Australia, to offer this type of therapy commercially.

AdiCellTM is an advanced technology that uses the dog’s own natural regeneration system to treat painful arthritic joints. It is a minimally-invasive, one-day procedure that involves implanting stem cells into affected joints.

Since the technology was launched in Australia in 2008, more than 200 dogs have been treated - with excellent results. The majority of dogs showed a reduction in pain within 10 days, and have maintained an improvement 22 months after treatment.

CEO of the Pet Doctors group, Dr Steve Merchant, says the AdiCellTM treatment offers an alternative for the thousands of Kiwi dogs that suffer from degenerative joint disease.

“Many pet-owners have experienced the heartache of seeing a previously active dog deteriorate in mobility – for simple things like getting into the car, going for walks, or having a play at the beach. Often the mind is willing but the body is not.”

“While there are good medications and diets which help to relieve joint degenerative and arthritis in dogs, there are some animals that don’t respond to those treatments. AdiCellTM offers new hope for these dogs. By using the dog’s own fat cells and genetic material to regenerate their joint, they can lead healthier and more active lives without drugs.”

The first New Zealand dogs will be treated at Pet Doctors’ AdiCellTM treatment clinic in Henderson, Auckland. Within the next few months, Pet Doctors will be offering the AdiCellTM treatment from accredited veterinary clinics around the country.

Graham Vesey, CEO of Regeneus Pty Ltd, says Pet Doctors is the preferred provider to make its treatment available to dogs throughout New Zealand.

“As a nationwide group of veterinary clinics, Pet Doctors is well-placed to do this. They also share our values about promoting the wellness model of veterinary care – which is all about helping pets ‘live young to an old age’.”

ENDS