More animal magic as Zoetis acquires PetMedix in Cambridge
PetMedix, a leader in discovering species-specific therapeutic antibodies for pets, has become the latest Cambridge company acquired by a US power player after being acquired for undisclosed millions by world leading animal health company Zoetis.
The companies have collaborated since 2022 with respect to antibody discovery. In addition to successful research collaborations, PetMedix’s proprietary drug development activities have led to a promising and large portfolio of antibody drug candidates targeting areas of unmet clinical need in both chronic and terminal diseases affecting dogs and cats.
PetMedix will continue operations from Cambridge and will act as one of Zoetis’ innovation hubs, providing a centre of research excellence to harness advances in basic and translational research and drive the creation of new treatments for animal disease.
Dr Tom Weaver, co-founder and CEO of PetMedix, said: “Today marks a new milestone as PetMedix joins forces with Zoetis, the world’s leading animal health pharmaceutical company.
“Zoetis is an ideal partner for us, innovation to bring new solutions to their customers is their number one focus, and this aligns 100 per cent with our approach.
“Zoetis was the first animal health company to appreciate the power of monoclonal antibody therapy, a technology that was created in Cambridge and has transformed human health.
“Through their vision and focus on the best science they were the first to launch successful mAb therapeutics to treat chronic diseases in companion animals. Zoetis’ market-leading expertise in developing, manufacturing, and commercialising innovative medicines will help PetMedix’s rich portfolio of transformative monoclonal antibodies progress more quickly towards regulatory approvals in global markets and make a real difference in the lives of pets and their owners. That is the whole point of our company.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the PetMedix team’s accomplishments. Since our first financing in 2019, our mission has been to elevate expectations in pet care, and we have now taken huge strides towards that goal.
“This acquisition shows that animal health innovation is alive and well and an attractive investment opportunity for the venture community. In addition, the UK and Europe will directly benefit from an injection of investment and expertise in animal health research.”
Rob Polzer, Executive Vice-President and President of Research and Development at Zoetis, added: “As the world leader in animal health, we are always exploring business development and external innovation activities that can complement our internal research and development capabilities.
“Adding PetMedix to our R & D organisation brings in unique platforms that may accelerate our research and portfolio to potentially help us address our customers’ unmet needs in oncology, inflammatory diseases and other areas, and we are excited about the possibilities ahead.”
After innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness for more than 70 years, Zoetis continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide – from veterinarians and pet owners to livestock farmers and ranchers.
The company’s leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and technologies make a difference in over 100 countries. A Fortune 500 company, Zoetis generated revenue of $8.1 billion in 2022 with approximately 13,800 employees.
