Vetigenics Launches CHECKMATE K9, First Dual Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Study in Dogs with Solid Tumors

at PR Newswire

First patient dosed at University of Wisconsin in pilot combining anti-cCTLA-4 and anti-cPD-1

MADISON, Wis., June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a research initiative inspired by landmark dual immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) studies in human cancer, Vetigenics today announced dosing of the first patient in its CHECKMATE K9 pilot clinical study at the University of Wisconsin. This multisite evaluation will assess safety and preliminary signals of efficacy for VGS 001 (anti-cCTLA-4 monoclonal antibody) in combination with VGS 002 (anti-cPD-1 monoclonal antibody) in dogs with a variety of solid tumors.

Marking a major advancement in veterinary oncology, this open-label study involves seven leading veterinary oncology investigators across academic centers and one animal hospital. Vetigenics is honored by their collaboration in this important evaluation. They are:

  • Jeff Bryan, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Oncology)
  • Tim Fan, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM), DACVIM (Oncology)
  • Cheryl London, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Oncology)
  • Nicola Mason, BVetMD, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM), FRCVS
  • Doug Thamm, VMD, DACVIM (Oncology)
  • Chelsea Tripp, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology)
  • David Vail, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology)

"Advancing immunotherapy options for our canine patients is a critical step forward," said Dr. Vail, principal investigator at the University of Wisconsin and renowned expert in canine cancer care. "By exploring dual checkpoint blockade in dogs, we’re doing two important things—giving veterinarians better tools to fight aggressive tumors in pets, and building a stronger bridge between animal and human cancer research. The insights we gain here can truly advance cancer treatment across species."

Vetigenics CEO Adriann Sax added: "As single agents, these antibodies have shown strong safety and tolerability results, as well as encouraging therapeutic responses. We now have an exciting opportunity to advance our understanding of ICI combination therapy in pet dogs. Vetigenics’ vision is to ultimately bring these innovative treatments to pet parents as an accessible and affordable option in combating a variety of canine cancers."

Details on the trial and open sites are available at vetigenics.com.

About Vetigenics
Vetigenics is a clinical-stage animal health biopharmaceutical company committed to advancing targeted antibody therapies for pets from a platform that provides unlimited therapeutic potential. Its proprietary CANIBODY™ technology unlocks faster, more cost-effective, and ethical solutions to develop superior antibodies proven effective in humans with cancer and chronic diseases but created specifically for pets. The company’s innovative technology and pioneering expertise in antibody discovery and development are trusted by global animal health partners and the National Cancer Institute. At Vetigenics, we are dedicated to enabling pets to live their best lives. For more details, visit vetigenics.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.

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SOURCE Vetigenics