DOG OA cHRONIC PAIN
Chronic pain is a condition that affects dogs and cats and persists over time. As pets age, it is common for them to experience discomfort that should not be ignored as it could be a sign of Osteoarthritis (OA). 80% of the cats above 8yr old, and 90% of dogs above 9yr old, develop OA.
What is OA? Osteoarthritis is a common chronic condition characterized by the degeneration of joint cartilage, inflammation, and the formation of bony growths within the joints. It causes chronic pain, inflammation and stiffness in the joints, which can limit mobility and significantly impact the quality of life of pets. Pets usually develop the disease between 8 and 13 years old. This is considered a late age of diagnosis and is due to a lack of early recognition of signs of pain. Awareness and early detection can significantly improve the quality of life for pets. |
Treating chronic pain in pets can be a complex and multifaceted process that requires a comprehensive approach. Part of the treatment requires active participation and compliance from pet owners. This includes administering medications correctly, following prescribed treatment plans, providing a suitable environment for the pet's needs, and engaging in recommended exercises or physical therapy sessions.
The development of new therapeutic approaches for treating chronic pain in companion animals is essential to provide more effective, personalized, and safer pain management options. It can significantly improve the well-being and quality of life of pets living with chronic pain and enhance our understanding of pain management in veterinary medicine as a whole.
The development of new therapeutic approaches for treating chronic pain in companion animals is essential to provide more effective, personalized, and safer pain management options. It can significantly improve the well-being and quality of life of pets living with chronic pain and enhance our understanding of pain management in veterinary medicine as a whole.
DOG atopic dermatitis
Skin allergies are the most common health issue for dogs. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease in dogs.
Canine AD is a multifactorial disease process. It’s a genetically predisposed inflammatory and pruritic allergic skin disease often associated with a production of immunoglobulin (Ig) E against environmental allergens.The prevalence of AD in the dog is approximately 10–15%. Although the pathogenesis is not completely understood, there is evidence for genetic abnormalities, an altered immune system with cutaneous inflammation and a skin barrier defect. The most common symptoms associated with atopic dermatitis are scratching, itching, foul odor, loss of hair, scaly skin, etc. The breeds found to be most susceptible to this canine atopic dermatitis are Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Labrador, and Pug. |
Dog OBESITY
Obesity is one of the most common nutritional disorders in veterinary medicine and currently affects between 30% and 60% of the global canine population. In many urban areas, this figure has been steadily increasing in recent years, becoming a public health issue for companion animals as well.
Obesity in dogs not only reduces their life expectancy by 1.5 to 2 years, but also negatively impacts their quality of life, promoting the onset of chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders, and immune system alterations. In addition to its physical effects, canine obesity affects mobility, mood, and behaviour, decreasing animal's vitality and hindering interaction with their guardians and environment. Obesity in dogs is a chronic inflammatory condition. It is associated with a state of low-grade systemic inflammation, characterized by the sustained activation of the innate immune system and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines from adipose tissue. |
This chronic inflammation can disrupt multiple biological processes, incluiding immune response, metabolic balance, and joint function, reinforcing the need for therapeutic approaches beyond weight management through diet and exercise.
Xeptiva's technology was designed to intervene in the immune-metabolic mechanisms of canine obesity, helping to modulate the inflammation associated with adipose tissue and promoting functional recovery in overweight animals.
Xeptiva's technology was designed to intervene in the immune-metabolic mechanisms of canine obesity, helping to modulate the inflammation associated with adipose tissue and promoting functional recovery in overweight animals.
HORSE OAOsteoarthritis is the leading cause of chronic pain, lameness, and reduced athletic performance in horses, affecting thousands of animals worldwide and generating a significant economic burden on the equine industry.
Characterized by progressive cartilage degeneration, subchondral bone remodeling, synovitis, and joint inflammation, this condition is driven by a complex pathophysiological cascade involving mechanical overload, trauma, and sustained low-grade inflammation. Traditional pharmacologic treatments—such as NSAIDs and corticosteroids—offer symptomatic relief, but fall short in halting disease progression and carry long-term safety concerns. Recent advances in equine science have shed light on the role of neurogenic inflammation in the perpetuation of chronic joint pain. Neuropeptides like nerve growth factor (NGF) and Substance P actively contribute to inflammatory processes within the joint, sensitizing nerve endings and amplifying the pain signal. |
These discoveries have prompted a shift in therapeutic paradigms, opening the door to biologic and disease-modifying strategies that target the root cause of inflammation and pain, rather than merely masking symptoms.
At Xeptiva Therapeutics, we are at the forefront of this new era. Our first-in-class immunotherapies are designed to safely and durably neutralize key neuroinflammatory mediators in the joint environment, offering a novel approach to long-term pain control in equine patients. Built on a robust foundation of veterinary immunology and translational
research, our technology aims to provide effective, competition-compliant solutions for both training and performance phases—where conventional drugs are often limited or prohibited.
As we prepare to launch our first placebo-controlled clinical trials in horses later next year, Xeptiva’s goal is to bring validated, science-based innovation to equine medicine. Our work is deeply aligned with the current trends in regenerative and biologic therapeutics, and represents a significant opportunity to improve equine welfare, enhance performance outcomes, and contribute to the development of next-generation therapies in veterinary and comparative medicine.
At Xeptiva Therapeutics, we are at the forefront of this new era. Our first-in-class immunotherapies are designed to safely and durably neutralize key neuroinflammatory mediators in the joint environment, offering a novel approach to long-term pain control in equine patients. Built on a robust foundation of veterinary immunology and translational
research, our technology aims to provide effective, competition-compliant solutions for both training and performance phases—where conventional drugs are often limited or prohibited.
As we prepare to launch our first placebo-controlled clinical trials in horses later next year, Xeptiva’s goal is to bring validated, science-based innovation to equine medicine. Our work is deeply aligned with the current trends in regenerative and biologic therapeutics, and represents a significant opportunity to improve equine welfare, enhance performance outcomes, and contribute to the development of next-generation therapies in veterinary and comparative medicine.
feline chronic painOsteoarthritis (OA) in cats is a progressive, chronic joint disease that affects a significant portion of adult felines, leading to reduced mobility, impaired joint function, and diminished quality of life.
Unlike other species, cats tend to mask pain, making diagnosis particularly challenging. Behavioral changes such as reduced jumping, altered grooming habits, social withdrawal, or decreased activity levels are often subtle indicators of unmanaged chronic pain. Recent research has shown that feline OA pain stems not only from joint degeneration but also from persistent neurogenic inflammation. Mediators such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and Substance P play a central role in sensitizing peripheral nerve endings, creating a self- sustaining cycle of inflammation and pain. These processes contribute to central sensitization, where the nervous system amplifies pain signals and misinterprets normal stimuli as painful. |
At Xeptiva Therapeutics, we are developing next-generation immunotherapies that selectively target key mediators of chronic pain. By neutralizing NGF and Substance P, our technology aims to disrupt the underlying neuroinflammatory cascade. This represents a novel, long-acting solution to restore comfort, mobility, and quality of life for cats living with osteoarthritis.
Our platform has shown encouraging results in preclinical models and proof-of-concept studies in other species, including dogs with osteoarticular pain. In 2026, we will begin validating this technology specifically for feline use, aiming to deliver an effective, safe, and species-adapted therapy to meet the unique clinical and behavioral needs of cats.
Our platform has shown encouraging results in preclinical models and proof-of-concept studies in other species, including dogs with osteoarticular pain. In 2026, we will begin validating this technology specifically for feline use, aiming to deliver an effective, safe, and species-adapted therapy to meet the unique clinical and behavioral needs of cats.