Kindred Companion Sciences Unveils First Dogs Genetically Edited to Remove the Major Dog Allergen

Emerging from stealth, Kindred announces peer-reviewed results in The CRISPR Journal, demonstrating the creation of two healthy beagles with a targeted CRISPR-Cas9 edit that eliminates the major dog allergen, Can f 1

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kindred Companion Sciences, a biotechnology company applying precision gene editing in companion animals, emerged from stealth today with a research publication in The CRISPR Journal.

The peer-reviewed study, “Targeted genetic knockout of Can f 1, the major allergen in dogs,” describes a precise CRISPR-Cas9 edit in two female beagles, Alfie and Bailey. Born in September 2024, the dogs have shown healthy growth and development, and Can f 1 protein was not detected in saliva or dander, the two routes through which most people are exposed.

For millions of people – nearly one in eight Americans – allergies can make living with a dog impossible. The impact extends beyond companionship; dog allergies are linked to more than a million asthma attacks each year, while dog ownership has been associated with a range of physical, emotional, and social health benefits.

“Kindred was founded on the belief that people shouldn't have to choose between their health and the companionship of dogs,” said Matt Walker, PhD, CEO of Kindred Companion Sciences. “As someone who lives with dog allergies, this work is deeply personal. For most of my life, I assumed I'd never have a dog but have lived with Bailey for almost two years. She's a happy, healthy, and incredibly sweet dog who reminds me every day why this work matters.”

Data reported in The CRISPR Journal serve to demonstrate:

• Can f 1 protein was not detected in saliva and hair/dander from the edited dogs.
• Veterinary examinations showed normal growth and development for both dogs.
• Whole-genome sequencing revealed no detectable off-target edits across all sites analyzed.
• Skin prick testing in a sensitized individual produced visible skin reactions to unedited dog samples, but no detectable reaction to edited dog samples.
• Poodle and goldendoodle samples also produced measurable responses, despite the common misconception that these breeds are "hypoallergenic."

“These data help validate our approach, which addresses the allergen at its genetic source,” said Walker. “We’re hopeful that Alfie and Bailey will be the first of many Kindred dogs as we build carefully and responsibly toward the next generation of companion animals.”

Kindred dogs are not commercially available today. The genomic alteration described in this study is investigational and has not been approved by FDA.

Animal welfare is central to Kindred's approach. All dogs are bred, raised, and monitored under veterinary guidance, with long-term health, temperament, and quality of life as primary considerations. All animal procedures were carried out in accordance with applicable animal welfare regulations and established principles of responsible animal research.

About Kindred Companion Sciences
Kindred Companion Sciences is a biotechnology company using precision genome engineering to address allergies at their biological source. Founded in 2020 by Matt Walker, Ph.D. and Nick Gavin, Kindred’s mission is to expand access to dogs for allergy-sensitive households. Using CRISPR-Cas9, Kindred has eliminated Can f 1, the major dog allergen, in two dogs as described in a peer-reviewed study in The CRISPR Journal. Kindred is advancing its work through continued research and regulatory review. Learn more at kindredcompanion.com.