ptd) peptech patents dog contraceptive

Peptech Animal Health, a wholly owned subsidiary of Australian biotechnology company, Peptech Limited, announced that its patented dog contraceptive, Suprelorin®, is now available in commercial quantities.

An Australian innovation and world first, the patented mechanism in Suprelorin® allows the slow release of the active ingredient, deslorelin, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone similar to those used to treat human prostate cancer.

The low, continuous dose of deslorelin prevents production of the sex hormones, causing a reduction in testosterone levels to zero, leading to loss of reproductive function. An important benefit of the product is that it is reversible.

The drug is inserted under the skin between the dog’s shoulders, using an implanter similar to those used for microchipping for identification. The biocompatible implant disappears over time.

In addition to controlling fertility and treating testosterone-related behavioural problems in dogs, Suprelorin® is also registered for use in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, which is common in older dogs that have not been castrated.

“Castration is widely recommended in Australia and New Zealand, for good health and behavioural reasons,” Dr Tim Trigg said, Managing Director, Peptech Animal Health.

“Suprelorin® provides the advantages of castration, without resorting to surgery.”

“Marketing success in Australia will assist us to launch the product in the USA and Europe, which have 56 million and 30 million pet dogs respectively,” Dr Trigg said.