Animals Benefit from Human Healthcare

Translating Human to Veterinary Medicine

We use animals to improve healthcare in humans in many ways. Some researchers are capitalizing on products developed for humans to improve veterinary care.

Animal models for clinical trials are the de rigeur standard for healthcare research. Advances in computational biology and data analytics promise to lighten the load on animal testing. But what about testing in humans for animals?  The shared biological mechanisms between humans and animals also make us an effective testing ground for veterinary applications. Studies from University of California, Davis show how veterinary medicine increasingly benefits from human health innovations which are reshaped for animal care—often leading to breakthroughs that later inform human health practices. This cycle of “comparative medicine” emphasizes that the translation of technologies, such as AI-based diagnostics, holds promise for both fields—creating a mutually beneficial relationship that accelerates advances in healthcare.​

For example, companies like Volition Veterinary are leading the way by developing cancer diagnostics for dogs. Liquid biopsies—a minimally invasive method to detect cancer via blood tests were originally developed for human oncology now that it has been refined to fit the veterinary market it offers early detection of cancers in pets. This two-way translation not only improves care for animals but also validates and advances human diagnostics [1] [2].​

VexGen LS: Augmenting Veterinary Diagnostics with in-Human Technology

Veterinary diagnostics have historically lagged behind in adoption of new technologies. VexGen LS addresses outdated diagnostic methods by leveraging proven human medical technology and bridging this gap. The company’s technology significantly reduces diagnostic timeframes and allows for more targeted therapies—improving treatment outcomes for complex conditions like chronic infections and zoonotic diseases.

During our conversation, VexGen LS CEO Kurt Dombkowski explained how the company utilizes Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology, initially developed for human diagnostics, to revolutionize pathogen identification in pets. This advanced DNA-based method enables veterinarians to detect pathogens faster and with greater precision than traditional methods, improving the speed and accuracy of treatments.

Advanced Diagnostics in Veterinary Medicine

Company management anticipates rapid uptake in a medical field that is mostly financed directly out-of-pocket. VexGen LS’ solutions enhance the economic feasibility of veterinary practices, with faster, more accurate diagnostics. Better-informed treatment decisions in turn lower the costs associated with prolonged or misdirected care. Beyond household pets, their approach to veterinary diagnostics includes targeted applications in the equine industry—specifically with high-value animals like racehorses.

These horses often face unique health challenges, where swift and accurate diagnostics are crucial for both their performance and well-being. Dombkowski highlighted a case involving thoroughbred racehorses where the rapid identification of a pathogen using their DNA-based diagnostics prevented a potentially devastating outbreak.

In the context of racehorses—where the stakes are high and misdiagnosis could mean the difference between a successful career and retirement—having access to precise diagnostics is a significant financial event. Rapid identification prevents unnecessary treatments and allows for targeted therapy, reducing recovery times and ensuring the health and safety of these valuable animals. As the company continues to develop and refine its diagnostic tools, they plan to add additional use cases emphasizing the advantages of cross-disciplinary innovation.

Next Steps

To expand their capabilities in precision diagnostics tailored to the specific needs of the veterinary market, the VexGen LS is incorporating AI-driven analysis into their diagnostic tools.  By collaborating with academic institutions, the company aims to push the boundaries of what is possible in veterinary diagnostics, setting new standards in the field.

The company is actively seeking partnerships with industry leaders in the top veterinary hospitals and vet schools. Increased use cases allow them to refine their genomic technology for broader applications, and expand into international markets. If you are a veterinarian, an investor or are simply interested in learning more about VexGen LS, CONTACT US.

CITED
[1] Texas A&M Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, “A Look to the Future of Cancer Diagnostics:” https://vetmed.tamu.edu/gilab/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/12/A-Look-to-the-Future-of-Cancer-Diagnostics-Expert-Led-Report.pdf
[2] The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Innovations, “New Test Monitors Progress of Cancer in Dogs:” https://edinburgh-innovations.ed.ac.uk/news/new-test-monitors-progress-of-cancer-in-dogs