jwiley, Author at ELIAS Animal Health

The Body’s Inner Army: How Immunotherapy Trains the Immune System to Battle Cancer

Cancer immunotherapies are treatments that help a patient’s own immune system find and destroy cancer cells. Normally, the immune system might not recognize cancer cells as a threat, but these therapies condition or “train” immune cells to spot certain features – called antigens – that are found on cancer cells. Once trained, the immune cells work together to target and eliminate the cancer. There are different types of immune cells, each with their own job. Let’s look at some of these cell types and the role they play in immune system function. First Line of Defense: Monocytes, Macrophages, and Dendritic Cells Monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells are key immune cells that act as the body’s first line of defense, quickly detecting and neutralizing threats while also helping to activate the rest of the immune system for a more targeted response. Monocytes travel through the bloodstream and are quick to respond [...]

jwiley2025-06-03T12:53:26-06:00June 3rd, 2025|

Philip J. Bergman, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Oncology) Joins ELIAS Animal Health Scientific Advisory Board

LENEXA, Kan., April 10, 2025 -- ELIAS Animal Health, a leading innovator in cancer immunotherapies for veterinary medicine, today announced that Dr. Philip J. Bergman, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Oncology), has joined its Scientific Advisory Board. Philip J. Bergman, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Oncology) Dr. Bergman brings extensive experience in veterinary oncology, immunotherapy, and translational medicine, with a distinguished career in clinical research and cancer treatment advancements. He has played a pivotal role in pioneering novel cancer therapies for companion animals, including ONCEPT® (a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health) which is a fully licensed canine melanoma vaccine, and contributing to the development and evaluation of cutting-edge treatment modalities in his previous role as Global Director of Clinical Studies for Mars Veterinary Health and VCA. He is an adjunct faculty member of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and has served as Chair of the American College of Veterinary Internal [...]

jwiley2025-05-23T13:05:23-06:00April 10th, 2025|

ELIAS Animal Health Announces Apheresis Partnership with CTAC, Expanding Access to Cancer Immunotherapy in Southeast U.S.

LENEXA, Kan., Feb. 13, 2025 -- In alignment with our commitment to expand access to innovative veterinary cancer care across the country, ELIAS Animal Health is excited to announce that the Canine Transplant and Apheresis Center (CTAC) in Chattanooga, Tennessee is now providing apheresis services to veterinary patients undergoing the ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy (ECI®). CTAC is located inside the Pullen Cancer Center at VCSG. ECI® is an adoptive cell therapy that harnesses the dog’s own immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. Apheresis is a critical step in the ECI® treatment protocol, which is a one-time procedure used to collect primed immune cells for activation and expansion. This new partnership enables broader access for veterinarians and pet owners interested in pursuing ECI® to treat cancer in dogs in the southeast region of the United States. Questions about treatment and patient referrals should be directed to ELIAS Animal Health. The decision [...]

jwiley2025-02-13T15:26:35-06:00February 13th, 2025|

ELIAS Animal Health Conducting Limb-Sparing Canine Osteosarcoma Clinical Study with Grant from Morris Animal Foundation

LENEXA, Kan., July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ELIAS Animal Health, a clinical stage development company advancing novel treatments for cancer in companion animals, has initiated a new study evaluating the company’s adoptive T cell therapy—the ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy (ECI®)—in combination with a novel adjuvant as a limb-sparing treatment for large-breed dogs suffering from appendicular osteosarcoma. The study, which is funded by a grant from Morris Animal Foundation, will be conducted in collaboration with Dr. Jeffrey Bryan and Dr. Megan Mickelson at the University of Missouri. “For dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma, amputation of the affected limb followed by chemotherapy is the typical standard of care. However, in certain cases amputation may not be appropriate,” said ELIAS Chief Medical Officer Noe Reyes, DVM. “In this study, we’re evaluating a new approach where the dog is treated with the limb-sparing surgery followed by ECI® immunotherapy.” The study will assess the safety and efficacy [...]

jwiley2024-07-31T07:12:52-06:00July 31st, 2024|

ELIAS Animal Health Expands Manufacturing Capacity Ahead of Product Approval and Pipeline Expansion

OLATHE, Kan., April 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ELIAS Animal Health, a leading companion animal cancer therapeutics company, is expanding its manufacturing capacity in a larger facility located in Lenexa, Kansas as it prepares for the commercial product launch of the ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy (ECI®) later this year. In January 2024, ECI® was determined by the USDA as demonstrating a reasonable expectation of efficacy, a significant milestone in the pathway to product licensure, and a significant milestone in veterinary oncology. ECI® is poised to be the only adoptive cell therapy of its kind approved for the treatment of canine osteosarcoma, a deadly form of bone cancer in dogs. Osteosarcoma is one of the top five cancers in dogs and yet little innovation has been achieved in treating this disease. The historical standard of care for treating canine osteosarcoma has been off-label chemotherapy. With ECI®’s pioneer position as a therapy specifically indicated [...]

jwiley2025-05-23T13:03:15-06:00April 30th, 2024|

ELIAS Animal Health Appoints Chief Revenue Officer; Launches Fundraising Round to Support Commercialization and Development of Innovative Canine Cancer Therapies

Experienced executive will lead launch of the first USDA-approved immunotherapy for the treatment of bone cancer in dogs OLATHE, Kan., April 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ELIAS Animal Health, a leading companion animal cancer therapeutics company, today announced the appointment of Brian Segebrecht as Chief Revenue Officer in anticipation of the impending product approval of the ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy (ECI®) in Q4. Segebrecht joins the ELIAS leadership team after recently leading Sentrx Animal Care as CEO to a point of exit in 2023. At ELIAS, he will lead the commercialization of the company’s first-in-class adoptive cell therapy, as well as drive new business partnerships for the expanding product pipeline at ELIAS. “Brian’s track record of transforming commercial strategy and building value for shareholders make him the perfect fit as we move closer to the regulatory approval of ECI® in Q4 of 2024,” said Tammie Wahaus, CEO of ELIAS Animal Health. “His leadership [...]

jwiley2024-07-17T12:35:48-06:00April 10th, 2024|

PODCAST: ELIAS returns to Dog Cancer Answers to Talk About Alternatives to Chemotherapy

ELIAS Animal Health CEO, Tammie Wahaus, returns to the Dog Cancer Answers podcast to talk about ECI® as an alternative treatment to chemotherapy for canine osteosarcoma. Earlier this year the USDA determined that ECI® has demonstrated a reasonable expectation of efficacy, a major milestone in the product licensure pathway. Listen to the episode below to find out what's next for ECI®, or read the full transcript at Dog Cancer Answers online. Listen to more episodes of the Dog Cancer Answers podcast here.

jwiley2024-05-14T12:42:13-06:00April 1st, 2024|

USDA Agrees Clinical Trial Data for the ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy (ECI®) Demonstrates Reasonable Expectation of Efficacy for the Treatment of Bone Cancer in Dogs

First-in-class adoptive cell therapy for treatment of osteosarcoma, a deadly form of bone cancer in dogs OLATHE, Kan., Jan. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ELIAS Animal Health, a leading companion animal cancer therapeutics company, today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture Center for Veterinary Biologics has determined that the data from the company’s ECI-OSA-04 pivotal combined safety and efficacy study demonstrated a reasonable expectation of efficacy, a critical milestone in the licensure pathway. Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs over the age of two and represents a significant unmet medical need in veterinary medicine. This two-arm field safety and efficacy study (n=100) is one of the largest clinical trials conducted in canine cancer and the first of its kind to evaluate a state-of-the-art adoptive cell therapy as a treatment for cancer in dogs. The ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy (ECI®) works by conditioning the immune system to recognize a patient’s [...]

jwiley2024-02-27T19:07:55-06:00January 17th, 2024|

Pet Cancer Awareness Month and the One Health Connection

Pets bring us immense joy and companionship, making them cherished members of our families. However, just like humans, they too can be affected by cancer. Pet Cancer Awareness Month, observed throughout November, is a reminder of the importance of early detection, prevention, and treatment of cancer in our animal companions. Fittingly, it coincides with One Health Day on November 3, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human and animal health, and the environment we share. Cancer Can Happen to Pets Too Cancer is a complex and devastating disease that can affect any breed, age, or species of pet. Just like in humans, pet cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that can spread to other parts of the body. The most common types of cancer found in dogs include lymphoma, mast cell tumors, and osteosarcoma (bone cancer), while cats are often prone to lymphoma, mammary cancer, and oral cancers. [...]

jwiley2023-10-31T12:32:43-06:00October 31st, 2023|

Oncolytic Virotherapy in Veterinary Medicine

ELIAS Animal Health previously announced it has in-licensed an oncolytic vaccinia virus treatment for pet animals from Genelux Corporation. The agreement grants ELIAS the worldwide right to development and commercialization of V-VET1 for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cancer in veterinary medicine. Check out some of the most frequently asked questions about this agreement and what we plan to do with the technology. What is V-VET1? V-VET1 is Genelux Corporation’s clinical-stage animal health product candidate. It is a vaccinia viral strain that selectively replicates in cancer cells to ultimately cause cell death (apoptosis). Who is Genelux Corporation? Genelux is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing a pipeline of next-generation oncolytic immunotherapies for human patients suffering from aggressive and/or difficult-to-treat solid tumor types. Learn more about Genelux and their technology at www.genelux.com. What is an oncolytic virus? An oncolytic virus is a virus that can infect and kill cancer [...]

jwiley2023-10-13T13:18:07-06:00October 13th, 2023|

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