Our Programs and Priorities
Development of novel therapeutics can be a complex, costly, and risky undertaking. Ethos Discovery, in collaboration with the Ethos Compounding Pharmacy, has a unique opportunity to reduce risk during the development and market delivery of specific therapeutics.
Drugs that would best fit this program include those that have an available active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in the U.S., are included in no current veterinary-approved products, and would be well-suited for a science-based marketing approach instead of a direct-to-consumer approach.
Current and Upcoming Novel Therapeutics Studies
- Activity of CBD for the Treatment of Idiopathic Epilepsy in Dogs
- Definition of Steady State Pharmacokinetics and Tolerability of CBD in Dogs — Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most promising phytocannabinoid, owing to its non-psychotropic effects, low toxicity, and high tolerability. There are numerous proposed medical applications of CBD, including management of pain, epilepsy, nausea, appetite, and cancer. Investigations into these unmet needs will potentially impact treatment of both veterinary and human diseases. Before pursuing trials to evaluate the activity of CBD in a given condition, studies to determine chronic pharmacokinetics (e.g., concentrations of CBD in the blood over time) must be performed. This would then allow future therapeutic trials to determine appropriate dosing.
- Improvement of Mycophenolate Formulations for Dogs — Mycophenolate is an immunosuppressive drug commonly used to treat autoimmune diseases in dogs, and typically requires a long treatment course. Although the drug is commonly used, it is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract in dogs, which leads to highly variable blood drug levels between patients. Higher doses can often improve this issue, but are associated with an increased risk of side effects. Ethos Discovery proposes the development of novel mycophenolate formulations with improved absorption.
- Improvement of Posaconazole Formulations for Dogs — Posaconazole is an antifungal agent commonly used to treat fungal infections in dogs, and is typically prescribed for prolonged treatment periods. Similar to mycophenolate, it also has poor gastrointestinal absorption. Ethos Discovery proposes the development of novel posaconazole formulations with improved absorption.
