DULUTH, GA–Merial, an animal health company, has received conditional approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a vaccine to treat canine melanoma, a common, deadly form of cancer in dogs.
The treatment may result in better results for human sufferers eventually as well. It is the first time a U.S. agency has approved a therapeutic vaccine for cancer in humans or dogs.
The vaccine will initially be available for use by specialists practicing veterinary oncology.
The vaccine was developed through a partnership between Merial, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and The Animal Medical Center of New York. Drs. Alan Houghton and Jedd Wolchok of MSKCC were doing laboratory testing of a melanoma vaccine they developed.
An inquiry by Dr. Philip Bergman of The AMC, seeking novel treatments for canine melanoma, resulted in the clinical trial of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering melanoma vaccine at The Animal Medical Center.
“Both humans and dogs develop this cancer in exactly the same way. The disease occurs spontaneously through an interaction of genes with the environment,” explained Jedd D. Wolchok, MD, PhD, an oncologist on the Clinical Immunology Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering.
Improved treatment possible
“By conducting trials in humans and in animals that live in the same surroundings as humans, there can be a synergy that we hope will result in improved cancer treatment for all.”
Canine melanoma is an aggressive form of cancer that typically appears in a dog’s mouth, but also may appear in the nail bed, foot pad or other areas. Dogs with melanomas that have gone beyond initial stages typically have a lifespan of one to five months with conventional therapies.
To date, the most common treatments for this form of cancer have been radiation and surgery. “Melanoma spreads readily, and, unfortunately, is often resistant to chemotherapy,” says Bob Menardi, DVM, a veterinarian and spokesperson for Merial.
During the period of conditional licensure, Merial will conduct additional research to further support the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. Production under this license is in compliance with all regulations and standards applicable to such products.
Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals.
Merial employs approximately 5,000 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2006 sales were nearly $2.2 billion. Merial Limited is a joint venture between Merck & Co. and sanofi-aventis.
For more information see: www.merial.com.
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