IntelGenx, UPEI collaborate to evaluate performance of VetaFilm in dogs, cats

IntelGenx announced a research collaboration with the University of Prince Edward Island, UPEI, to assess palatability, owner-perceived acceptability, and ease of administration of IntelGenx’s VetaFilm platform in healthy dogs and cats. Through a series of studies, the collaboration will evaluate: the acceptance rate of various VetaFilm placebo formulations in dogs and cats at first exposure; preference between flavours of VetaFilm placebo formulations in dogs and cats changes in acceptance rates over longer periods; and, owner perception of ease of administration, acceptance and other behaviors associated with VetaFilm placebo formulations. "We are thrilled to combine our efforts with one of North America’s leading veterinary universities," said Dr. Horst G. Zerbe, CEO of IntelGenx. "There are a number of clinical advantages with administering drugs to pets via our VetaFilm platform. Studies have demonstrated that, when administering capsules and tablets to dogs and cats, there can be a delay in reaching the stomach. But more importantly, certain medication can cause significant mucosal damage when allowed to sit in the esophagus for a prolonged period, which is often the case when ‘dry-pilling’. Finally, from a pharmacokinetic standpoint, buccal absorption may decrease the overall amount of drug required as first pass metabolism would be largely avoided. All that said, we believe offering VetaFil products that address subjective preferences of both pets and their owners and will be key to the platform’s commercial success."