Phibro Animal Health Corporation and Rejuvenate Bio Announce Agreement to Develop Gene Therapy for Mitral Valve Disease in Canines

TEANECK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Phibro Animal Health Corporation (Nasdaq:PAHC) and Rejuvenate Bio, Inc. today announced a collaboration for the development and commercialization of a gene therapy for Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) in canines (dogs).

The incidence of MVD varies widely but is believed to be present in about 7% of all dogs and can be as high as 80% for some breeds such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Rejuvenate Bio has received support from the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club for this research.

MVD is caused by a malfunction of the Mitral Valve which allows blood to flow backward from the heart's lower chamber (ventricle) to the upper chamber (atrium). The condition often results in and is diagnosed by a characteristic 'murmur'. The disease may have few or no outward effects at first, but over months or years can progress to congestive heart failure and death.

Current therapies have been proven to slow the course of MVD, but no therapy is available to stop the disease or reverse the damage. The objective of the collaboration between Phibro and Rejuvenate Bio is to develop and commercialize a novel gene therapy with the intent to not only stop MVD before it results in heart failure but reverse some or all the damage done to the heart.

Thomas Zerzan, President of the Companion Animal Division at Phibro Animal Health, stated, "We have confidence that our collaboration with Rejuvenate Bio will meet our goal to bring about an effective gene therapy that will revolutionize the way veterinarians treat MVD, adding healthy, happy years to the life of a dog who suffers from this disease.”

Daniel Oliver, CEO of Rejuvenate Bio, stated, “We are excited to work with Phibro to make the treatment of MVD a reality. We expect to file for a conditional approval as early as 2023. We view this as a first step to tackling numerous age-related diseases that affect the animals we love.”

The effort to develop a gene therapy for MVD is based on research and discoveries made in the lab at Harvard Medical School and the Wyss Institute by genetics scientist and startup founder, George Church.

About Phibro Animal Health Corporation

Phibro Animal Health Corporation is a leading global diversified animal health and mineral nutrition company. We strive to be a trusted partner with livestock producers, farmers, veterinarians, and consumers who raise or care for farm and companion animals by providing solutions to help them maintain and enhance the health of their animals.

About Rejuvenate Bio

Rejuvenate Bio is a spinout from the Wyss Institute at Harvard focused on reversing aging and eliminating age-related disease. Rejuvenate Bio utilizes gene therapy, proprietary targets, and tools to bring treatments to humans and canines suffering from age-related conditions. The company is developing a pipeline of therapies with applications in cardiac and metabolic disease across humans and dogs. The company raised a Series A financing in 2021 led by Kendall Capital Partners, Digitalis Ventures, KdT Ventures and V Capital. Rejuvenate Bio is based in San Diego for more information, visit www.rejuvenatebio.com.